Dementia and the link to the shingles immunization
Shingles, a condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, is known for its painful blisters and potential long-term nerve damage. However, recent studies have uncovered another surprising aspect of the disease - a possible link to dementia.
The shingles vaccine, specifically the current Shingrix vaccine, has been found to reduce the risk of dementia by up to 33%, according to several large cohort studies. This finding suggests that the vaccine may offer more than just protection against shingles itself.
A 2025 retrospective cohort study of over 130,000 US participants found that those who received the Shingrix vaccine had an 18% lower dementia risk within 18 months compared to those who only had the flu vaccine. Another study, published in Nature, reported a 20% reduced dementia risk among people who received the original shingles vaccine, implying that Shingrix could offer similar protective effects.
GSK, the maker of Shingrix, reported observational data indicating a statistically significant 33% lower risk of all-cause dementia among those vaccinated with two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix). The study also noted that this reduction was observed in vaccinated adults aged 65-74, with no difference seen by genetic risk factor APOE ε4 carrier status.
While the mechanisms behind this protective effect are still unclear, two possible explanations have been proposed. The first suggests that the vaccine may reactivate inflammation-causing molecules, potentially slowing down or even reversing the progression of dementia. The second hypothesis suggests that the vaccine may support the body in dealing with rogue Amyloid-β proteins, which are known to accelerate dementia.
It's important to note that these findings are observational and do not prove causality. Further clinical studies are underway to clarify the relationship between the shingles vaccine and dementia risk.
The shingles vaccine does carry an FDA warning about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, with a slightly elevated risk for developing GBS within 42 days of receiving it in adults over 65.
In addition to the potential benefits for cognitive health, the shingles vaccine also provides protection against the painful and potentially debilitating effects of shingles itself. The vaccine can prevent the disease or lessen its severity, reducing the risk of complications such as facial paralysis, ear pain, and changes in the ability to taste.
As more research is conducted, the potential benefits of the shingles vaccine for cognitive health may become clearer. Until then, it remains an important tool in protecting against the painful and potentially serious effects of shingles.
- The recent studies suggest that the Shingrix vaccine, designed to protect against shingles, may offer additional benefits for brain health, as it has been found to reduce the risk of dementia by up to 33%.
- The arrangement of two inflammation-activating molecules, proposed as one of the mechanisms behind the protective effect of the shingles vaccine, might slow down or even reverse dementia's progression.
- As the science evolves, the possible link between the shingles vaccine and mental health, evidenced by its potential to reduce dementia risk, will continue to be an exciting avenue for exploration in health and wellness as we age.
