A growing body of evidence indicates that the shingles vaccine may help protect older adults against dementia. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it is believed that the vaccine guards against the disease, which can disrupt brain health.

Understanding the Connection

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to inflammation in the brain and increase the risk of dementia. The vaccine, by preventing shingles, may also reduce this risk. According to Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, the medical director of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program, the vaccine is not a “magic pill” but rather a way to protect against the disease that can disrupt brain health.

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients in nursing facilities who had received at least one dose of the shingles vaccine within a year of admission had a 5.8% lower risk of developing dementia over the next four years. This study, along with others, suggests that the shingles vaccine could be an important tool in reducing the risk of dementia.

Expert Insights

Dr. Timothy Chang, an assistant professor of neurology, theorized that the shingles vaccine may also help protect against dementia by boosting overall immunity. He noted that the vaccine could help reduce neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to dementia.

While the exact mechanism is still unclear, the evidence suggests that the shingles vaccine could be an important part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of dementia. As Dr. Pauldurai noted, getting the shingles vaccine may be one way to protect the brain, especially for those who are already at risk.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.