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Common vaccine linked to 24% lower dementia risk in older adults
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- A Brown University study found that adults aged 66 and older who received at least one dose of the shingles vaccine Shingrix had a 24% lower relative risk of dementia over four years compared to those unvaccinated.
- Researchers caution that the study shows an association but does not prove the vaccine directly prevents dementia, though it supports previous findings suggesting a protective link.
- Possible explanations include the vaccine preventing shingles and its complications, which are linked to vascular events like stroke that can contribute to dementia.
- Additional recent research indicates shingles vaccination may also reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
- Experts emphasize that while the vaccine is not a treatment for cognitive decline, early medical evaluation remains crucial for managing dementia risk and symptoms.
