From the Research
Gabapentin should not be used to treat Alzheimer's disease due to the lack of substantial evidence supporting its efficacy and potential association with deleterious neurocognitive changes in older adults with normal cognition, as shown in a recent study 1. The primary concern in managing Alzheimer's disease is to improve cognitive symptoms or slow their progression, and the approved medications for this purpose include cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine, which have been shown to stabilize or slow decline in cognition, function, behavior, and global change 2. Gabapentin, on the other hand, works on the GABA neurotransmitter system and calcium channels, which are not directly implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease involving amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Some studies suggest that gabapentin might be considered for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) when other medications have been ineffective or present unacceptable risks of adverse outcomes 3, 4, but the evidence for this is limited and not strong enough to support its use as a primary treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, if you're seeking treatment for Alzheimer's disease, it's essential to consult with a neurologist or geriatrician who can recommend evidence-based therapies tailored to the stage of the disease and individual needs. Key points to consider include:
- The lack of substantial evidence supporting gabapentin's use in Alzheimer's disease
- The potential association of gabapentin with deleterious neurocognitive changes in older adults
- The availability of approved medications with proven efficacy in managing Alzheimer's disease
- The importance of consulting with a specialist for personalized treatment recommendations.