- A growing body of evidence shows that the shingles vaccine may significantly help protect older adults against dementia.
- A study published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia reported that those who completed the two-dose course of the shingles vaccine carried roughly a one-third lower risk of dementia.
- Patients in nursing facilities who had received at least one dose of the shingles vaccine had a 5.8% lower risk of developing dementia over the next four years.
- International research has shown similar results, with a study in Wales finding a 3.5% reduced dementia risk associated with shingles vaccination over seven years.
- Previous research has established a link between shingles infection and increased dementia risk, with older adults hospitalized with severe shingles having a 13% higher risk of dementia.
- In the U.S., people aged 50 and older are eligible for two doses of Shingrix, the only FDA-approved shingles vaccine.
- Despite eligibility, less than 2% of nursing facility patients had received even one dose of the shingles vaccine as of 2022.
- Only about one-third of U.S. adults aged 50 and older had received at least one dose of either shingles vaccine as of 2022.
- Four easy ways to live longer include maintaining a Mediterranean diet, which has been found to reduce cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
- Social isolation can increase the risk of early death by 32%, highlighting the importance of social connections for longevity.
Recent research suggests that the shingles vaccine may significantly lower dementia risk among older adults. A study published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia found that those who completed the two-dose course had a 33% lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.1
In a comprehensive analysis of over 509,000 nursing facility patients aged 66 and older, those who 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. Similarly, a study of more than 282,000 older adults in Wales indicated a 3.5% reduction in dementia risk over seven years associated with shingles vaccination.3
Moreover, a Canadian study linked vaccine eligibility to a 2% reduced dementia risk over 5.5 years. Previous research has established a connection between shingles infection and increased dementia risk, with older adults hospitalized for severe shingles showing a 13% higher risk of dementia compared to the general population.5
Despite these findings, vaccination rates remain low; less than 2% of eligible nursing facility patients received even one dose of the shingles vaccine, and only about 33% of U.S. adults aged 50 and older had received at least one dose as of 2022, according to CDC records. This highlights the need for increased awareness and accessibility of the shingles vaccine as a preventive measure against dementia.
“Recent studies indicate that the shingles vaccine may significantly reduce the risk of dementia among older adults. Additionally, various lifestyle changes can contribute to longevity.”
