Neurobehavioral symptoms, such as agitation characterized by restlessness, aggressiveness, and increased motor activity, are frequently seen in patients with dementia and are difficult to manage. Agitation can cause insomnia and may have negative impact on patient care and health, e.g. increased use of medications and hospitalization, greater caregiver burden, higher mortality [1], [2]. The prevalence of agitation ranges between 30 and 50% in dementia patients [3]. Frontal lobe dysfunction, especially orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex activation, interruption of the frontal-subcortical connections, and loss of noradrenergic neurons are suggested as the underlying mechanisms [2], [4], [5]. Physical distress such as pain, medical illness, and metabolic, psychological, and environmental changes are known triggers [2].

Although non-pharmacological intervention is the first option, different groups of medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antiseizure medications can be used in the treatment of agitation. Recently, positive effects of gabapentinoids, particularly those with gabapentin, have been identified in case reports and small case series with good safety profiles leading to the inclusion of gabapentin in treatment schedules [1], [2], [6], [7].

This observational study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) on agitation in patients with dementia and to document any adverse effects.