A routine shingles shot may offer powerful defense against dementia
7 days ago
- #dementia-prevention
- #health-research
- #shingles-vaccine
- A shingles vaccine may reduce dementia risk by 20% over seven years, based on a study in Wales.
- The study utilized a natural experiment due to Wales' unique vaccine rollout policy, comparing those just eligible vs. ineligible.
- Women showed a stronger protective effect from the vaccine against dementia than men.
- The vaccine may also slow dementia progression in those already diagnosed, suggesting therapeutic potential.
- The findings support the hypothesis that viruses like varicella-zoster (which causes shingles) may contribute to dementia risk.
- Researchers advocate for randomized controlled trials to confirm the vaccine's protective effects against dementia.
- The study was funded by multiple institutions, including The Phil & Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience.