Dementia Cases on the Rise Globally
Between 1990 and 2016, dementia cases worldwide surged by 117%, now affecting over 57 million people. Projections suggest this number could exceed 150 million by 2050. While lifestyle changes like healthy diets and exercise help reduce risk, some factors—such as age and genetics—remain uncontrollable.
Viral Infections Linked to Dementia
As reported by medicalnewstoday, emerging research has linked viral infections, especially those affecting the nervous system, to an increased risk of dementia. Now, a new study led by Stanford Medicine, published in Nature, suggests that the shingles vaccine may reduce dementia risk by up to 20%.
Study Mimics Randomized Control Setup
Researchers utilized a 2013 Welsh health policy offering the shingles vaccine to individuals born after September 1, 1933. By comparing those born just before and after this date, researchers created two closely matched groups. Over seven years, vaccinated individuals showed a 37.2% lower risk of shingles and a 20% lower relative risk of developing dementia.
Greater Benefit Observed in Women
Interestingly, women saw a more significant reduction in dementia diagnoses than men, possibly due to stronger immune responses or higher shingles prevalence among women.
Cost-Effective Prevention Strategy
Given dementia’s economic burden, researchers see potential in the shingles vaccine as a cost-effective prevention strategy. In the U.S., Shingrix is recommended for those 50+, costing around $400. In the UK, the NHS provides the vaccine free for eligible groups.
More Research Needed
While the findings are promising, experts urge caution. The study used the older Zostavax vaccine, while Shingrix is now standard. Experts emphasize that further trials are necessary to confirm a causal link between shingles vaccination and reduced dementia risk.
For now, health professionals recommend vaccination for shingles prevention—with potential added benefits for brain health.