Study Links Shingles Vaccine to Reduced Dementia Risk in Seniors
Research from Brown University suggests the shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk in older adults, highlighting potential brain health benefits.
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Originally reported by Brown University. Senior Wellness summarises the reporting; we do not publish the original article.
A recent study from Brown University suggests that the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, might reduce the risk of dementia in older adults. According to the report, seniors who received the vaccine had a 24% lower chance of being diagnosed with dementia over four years compared to those who did not receive the vaccine.
The study analyzed health records and Medicare data from over 500,000 adults aged 66 and older admitted to skilled nursing facilities. It found that only 18.8% of vaccinated individuals developed dementia within four years, compared to 24.6% of those unvaccinated. This could mean about one in 17 dementia cases might be preventable with the vaccine, although the researchers caution that further study is needed.
Researchers used a method designed to mimic clinical trial conditions to ensure the accuracy of their findings, noting that the vaccinated group tended to be slightly younger and healthier. The study points to the potential of vaccines not only to prevent physical ailments but also to possibly support cognitive health.
The research was funded by GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Shingrix, but the company did not influence the study's design or publication. As always, older adults should discuss vaccination options with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions.