Certain pain management drugs like Gabapentin have been linked to increased risks of dementia according to new study.
Gabapentin, or Neurontin, has been widely prescribed since 1993 for treating epilepsy, nerve pain from shingles, chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Up until recently, this common drug’s side effects on the warning label included nausea, tremors, poor balance, and trouble speaking. That changed when the American Society of Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine released its 10-year study on the drug, noting that there has been increased instances of dementia when using the drug.
Gabapentin Scientific Findings
A group of 26,416 adults, who were prescribed Gabapentin for back pain, were analyzed from 2004 to 2024. The age demographic ranged from 18-64. “Patients with six or more gabapentin prescriptions had an increased incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment,” according to the study. “Risk increased further with prescription frequency: patients with 12 or more prescriptions had a higher incidence of dementia.”
Researchers carrying out the study concluded that Gabapentin prescription in adults is associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly in non-elderly adults. What does this mean for pain management and dementia caregiving?
Advocating for Yourself or Loved One
Being in a doctor’s office can be daunting on a normal day, but even more so when you are being prescribed medications that have a long list of side effects. The anxiety of this can be doubled when you are the caregiver of someone living with dementia who may need to be on medications for pain or dementia management. This is where advocating for yourself and loved one comes into play.
Things to Remember:
- Family’s history of dementia or cognitive impairment
- Allergies
- Reactions to drugs
Questions to Ask:
- Does this drug need to be taken with food?
- Will it increase brain inflamation?
- How does it interact with other medications?
Dementia-Friendly Pain Medications and Management Alternatives
Opting for non-opioid and anti-inflammatory medications should be a top consideration when developing a plan for pain management. Acetaminophens like Tylenol are usually recommended upon first reports of pain; however, they are not recommended for long-term treatment.
Other treatments include non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Celebrex. Though these can be used long-term, older adults may suffer from bleeding disorders as a result of prolonged use.
Occasionally, taking an antidepressant or selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) can help with pain and have shown to be “useful in elderly patients because of their favorable side-effect profiles,” according to Northwest Pain Guidance.
Nonmedicinal pain management treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and physical therapy can also be explored.
The ultimate goal when caring for yourself or a loved one is choosing the right intervention, while preserving well-being. It is okay to seek help. Ask questions that help you make informed decisions to support the needs of you or your loved one. Health is not linear, nor is the caregiving process. Do your research advance, adapt as necessary, and try different options as necessary to identify the ultimate right course of action.
