6 Common Medications That May Decrease Dementia Risk
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- Multiple studies indicate that older adults who receive annual flu vaccinations have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia, with one study showing up to a 40% reduction in risk.
- Recent research suggests that a higher dose of the flu vaccine, often recommended for those aged 65 and older, further decreases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to the standard dose.
- While other medications have also been linked to reduced dementia risk, it remains challenging to determine if these effects are direct or due to associated health behaviors.
- The new study led by Dr. Paul Schulz highlights that the protective effect against dementia is likely attributable to the flu vaccine itself rather than the general health behaviors of those who get vaccinated.
