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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Most people assume that if they begin to have memory problems, it is either “natural” aging or bad luck. If a relative had Alzheimer’s disease, forgetfulness and dementia are blamed on genetic factors. But what if medications could be contributing to the epidemic of cognitive impairment that is affecting millions of people? Doctors are not always good about warning patients about medication-related cognitive difficulties.This Neurologist Rejected Gabapentin-Induced Memory Problems:Q. I was quite sharp until I was prescribed gabapentin and amitriptyline. Since then, my memory is garbage. I am currently being tested for dementia.My neurologist said it couldn’t be from the meds, but I am not sure I believe him. These meds are ruining my life. Do you have any advice?A. We fear your neurologist has not been doing his homework. The Beers list of “Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults” indicates drugs that can cause problems for senior citizens. The old-fashioned antidepressant amitriptyline can lead to confusion and memory problems because it interferes with the activity of the brain chemical acetylcholine. This anticholinergic action is associated with brain fog and other cognitive difficulties. Here is a link to our article:Where Can I Find a List of Anticholinergic Drugs?Gabapentin is a drug for epilepsy that is also prescribed for pain following a shingles attack. Many doctors prescribe it off label for neuropathy (nerve pain).Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (Nov. 25, 2022) found a link between this medicine and cognitive decline:“In conclusion, this study showed that among older adults with normal cognition, initiating gabapentin was significantly associated with clinically meaningful decline in cognitive and functional status and increased falls. Further studies are needed to examine the risk and benefit of prescribing gabapentin in older adults.”Ask your neurologist to re-evaluate these prescriptions with an eye to gradual discontinuation. To help with this process, you may wish to review our free Guide to Drugs and Older People, which discusses the Beers list in greater detail. You will find it under the Health eGuides tab.Another reader wants to know if a history of several anticholinergic drugs could cause irreversible brain damage.Do Some Medicines Trigger Memory Problems?Q. I’ve begun having some memory problems and they’ve made it difficult at times to function. Sometimes I forget how to use equipment I’ve used hundreds of times, or I have trouble with math that has always been easy for me.I’ve taken many anticholinergic drugs over the years (antidepressants, tranquilizers, incontinence drugs, allergy drugs). I am just learning that these drugs could lead to cognitive difficulties.There is a strong history of dementia in my mother’s family, and I have fears that some of the damage may be irreversible. Do you have any information that will help?A. You need
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