The study’s limitations and criticisms
Person Taking Pill
Credit: Pexels
This observational study does have some drawbacks to keep in mind. One is that there is little to no information provided about participants having other diagnoses or taking other medications. Plus, there are so many variables when it comes to dementia risk. Therefore, it’s impossible to establish the exact cause, especially in studies using large data sets. “One very important factor that was not examined in this study is levels of physical activity,” said Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, to Medscape. “People with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may have been less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing dementia.”
Meanwhile, Ian Maidment, professor in clinical pharmacy, Aston University, Birmingham, England, pointed out the analysis did not control for length of treatment or dosages. He noted that “other similar recent studies have failed to find a link.” Therefore, he believes “the jury is out on whether gabapentin causes dementia.”
Neel Anand, MD, MCh Orth, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, who was not involved in the study, said the best way to prove causation is to compare participants who take the specific drug (and nothing else) to those who don’t take it. Additionally, the researchers must confirm the medication is taken as directed. Nevertheless, Anand says that “at least we can be cognizant” about the potential dementia side effect of extended gabapentin use.
CONTINUE READING NEXT PAGE