HEALTH

Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia Risk: New Study Finds Promising Link

A recent study published in Nature suggests that the shingles vaccine may lower the risk of dementia in older adults by 20% over seven years. Researchers found that the protective effect is more pronounced in women compared to men.

Understanding Shingles and Its Impact

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. Common symptoms include:

Painful rash
Blistering
Burning sensation
Fever

The virus remains dormant in nerve cells after a person recovers from chickenpox. As the immune system weakens with age, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles.

Link Between Shingles and Dementia

The study, led by Stanford University’s School of Medicine, tracked over 280,000 Welsh adults. Researchers suggest that viruses affecting the nervous system, like shingles, may increase dementia risk. Their findings support the emerging theory that viral infections may play a role in cognitive decline.

Study Findings: Shingles Vaccine and Dementia Risk Reduction

Researchers analyzed health records and found that individuals who received the Zostavax vaccine (which was widely used before being phased out) were:
✅ 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next seven years.
✅ More protected if they were women compared to men.

Why This Study Matters

Dementia is a broad term describing cognitive decline that interferes with daily life, affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. With no definitive cure, prevention is key. This study highlights a potential protective effect of the shingles vaccine, opening doors for future research on how vaccines may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine, discuss it with your doctor. Though Zostavax is no longer widely available, Shingrix is the newer and more effective alternative recommended for older adults. Taking preventive measures, such as vaccination, may contribute to long-term brain health.

Conclusion

This groundbreaking research suggests that vaccination against shingles may do more than just prevent a painful rash—it could help protect against dementia. As further studies explore the connection between viral infections and cognitive decline, vaccines could become a valuable tool in reducing dementia risk.