4 sources·Health

Study Links Shingles Vaccine to Reduced Dementia Risk

A new study reveals that shingles vaccination may cut dementia risk by 20% in older adults, especially beneficial for women.

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  1. Shingles is awful, but there may be another reason to get vaccinated. It may fight dementia

    The research, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, is part of growing understanding about how many factors influence brain health as we age – and what we can do about it.

    Shingles is awful, but there may be another reason to get vaccinated. It may fight dementia

    Associated PressAssociated Press·18d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. Shingles Vaccine Reduces Risk for Dementia

    The new findings add another reason for people to consider rolling up their sleeves.

    Shingles Vaccine Reduces Risk for Dementia

    NewsmaxNewsmax·18d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  1. Associated Press
  2. The Guardian
  3. Newsmax
Updated: Apr 2nd, 2025, 5:21 PM ET

Summary

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Research published in Nature shows that older adults vaccinated with Zostavax have a 20% lower risk of developing dementia over seven years. The study tracked over 280,000 medical records and suggests that the vaccine may prevent inflammation in the nervous system, a potential contributor to dementia. Lead researcher Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer indicates strong gender differences, with women benefiting more from the vaccination. While the findings prompt further investigation into the newer Shingrix vaccine, it underscores the public health implications as dementia rates rise. Current vaccination rates remain low, with fewer than 40% of eligible Americans vaccinated.

Perspectives

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  • A new study indicates that shingles vaccination can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 20% in older adults, a finding that could have significant public health implications, especially for women who are at higher risk.

  • The study utilized a natural experiment based in Wales, where eligibility for the shingles vaccine created a comparison group of individuals, allowing for robust analysis of dementia risk.

  • Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into how current vaccines like Shingrix might also impact dementia risk while encouraging vaccination to promote brain health.

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