Popular back pain linked to brain health risks in some patients
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The analgesic used for low back pain could be related to a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (DCL), according to new research.
The study, published online in the regional magazine Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that the groups previously considered too young to develop the conditions faced more than double the risk when taking gabapentin.
“Our findings indicate an association between the prescription of Gabapentina and the dementia or the cognitive deterioration in 10 years,” said the research team in a press release.
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The medicine has become increasingly popular to treat chronic pain, especially neuropathic (nervous) pain, researchers said in a press release.
Gabapentina, which is also used to control seizures, according to the Cleveland Clinic, has a relatively low addictive potential compared to traditional opioids.
Gabapentina has become increasingly popular to treat chronic pain, especially neuropathic (nervous) pain, experts pointed out. (Istock)
Recent research has caused new concerns about their side effects, including a possible association with neurodegeneration.
The previous findings could not confirm a specific link, especially about whether certain age groups are more vulnerable.
In the last study, the researchers gathered Data from Trinetx, a health research network that contains electronic health records of 68 medical care organizations in the United States.
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When examining the anonymous records of adult patients, the team analyzed groups to whom Gabapentina was prescribed for chronic lower back pain between 2004 and 2024 and compared them to people who had not received the drug. There were a total of 26,414 individuals in each group.
The researchers represented factors such as demography, coexisting conditions and the use of other drugs that cancel pain.
People between 18 and 64 who received Gabapentina had more than double probability of developing any of those who had not received the medication. (Istock)
Patients who had received six or more gabapentin recipes had 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with DCL within 10 years after their initial diagnosis of pain, according to the study.
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When observing specific age groups, people between 18 and 64 who received the drug were more like a probability of developing any of those who had not received Gabapentina.
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While there was no greater risk among those aged 18 to 34 who prescribed the medication, the risk of dementia doubled (and the risk of MCI more than triplicate) among young people from 35 to 49 years.
The researchers observed a similar pattern among young people aged 50 to 64.
Patients who had received six or more gabapentin recipes had 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with DCL within 10 years after their initial diagnosis of pain, according to the study. (Istock)
The risks increased with the prescription frequency: patients with 12 or more recipes had 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop DCL than those who were prescribed gabapentina between three and 11 times.
“Our findings indicate an association between the prescription of Gabapentina and dementia or cognitive deterioration in 10 years.”
The study had some limitations. As this was an observation study, firm conclusions cannot be drawn on the cause and effect, the researchers said.
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They also recognized that because the study was retrospective, they could not account for the dose or duration of gabapentin.
The results “support the need for a close monitoring of adult gabapentine patients to evaluate the possible cognitive deterioration,” the researchers added.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a variety of stories issues that include food and drink, travel and health.