📉 Key Findings:
Group
Increased Risk
All adults taking ≥6 prescriptions
âž• 29% higher risk of dementia<br>âž• 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within 10 years
Adults aged 35–49
🔺 More than double the risk of dementia<br>🔺 Over triple the risk of MCI
Adults aged 50–64
Significantly elevated risk — nearly matching younger group
Adults 18–34
No significant increase found
👉 The longer and more frequently people used gabapentin, the greater the cognitive risk.
And shockingly, the highest dangers weren’t in older adults—but in those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, who are decades away from typical dementia onset.
💊 What Is Gabapentin?
Originally developed as an anti-seizure medication, gabapentin (brand names Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) is now widely prescribed off-label for:
Chronic back and nerve pain
Sciatica
Fibromyalgia
Restless leg syndrome
Anxiety and sleep issues (though not FDA-approved for these)
Why it’s popular:
Not addictive like opioids
Often covered by insurance
Generally well-tolerated short-term
But this new research suggests that long-term use may come with hidden neurological costs.
🧠Why Might Gabapentin Affect the Brain?
While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, experts believe several factors may play a role:
