Shingles Vaccine Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk, Studies Show
5 reported
A 2013 article suggested the shingles vaccine could prevent dementia, and three new studies from the United States, Australia, and Canada have found similar results using large numbers and credible research designs, according to a report on marginalrevolution.com. The report states that the shingles vaccine reduces dementia, with Eric Topol summarizing that individuals aged 50 and older who have not received the Shingrix vaccine may want to consider it. Topol noted that the vaccine provides protection against shingles, slows biological aging, and is associated with approximately a 20% reduction in dementia, predominantly related to Alzheimer’s disease. The benefits are magnified in women compared with men, though three studies showed some reduction of dementia in men. As a tradeoff, men appear to derive more cardiovascular benefit, but that evidence is not as compelling as the protection from dementia from natural experiments.
What’s reported
A 2013 article suggested the shingles vaccine could prevent dementia.
Three new studies from the United States, Australia, and Canada found similar results using large numbers and credible research designs.
The shingles vaccine is associated with approximately a 20% reduction in dementia, predominantly related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits are magnified in women compared with men, but three studies showed some reduction of dementia in men.
Men appear to derive more cardiovascular benefit, but that evidence is not as compelling as the dementia protection.
Key figures
Eric Topol, summarized the new evidence.
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
