Older adults who received the Shingrix shingles vaccine were 24% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over four years, according to a large new study. The finding adds to growing evidence that vaccination might help protect the brain.
The Research
Researchers led by Kaley Hayes at Brown University analyzed Medicare claims and electronic health records from more than 500,000 adults age 66 and older admitted to skilled nursing facilities between 2017 and 2022. Of the 509,926 participants, 8,843 received at least one dose of Shingrix (the recombinant shingles vaccine). After four years, dementia developed in 18.8% of vaccinated participants compared with 24.6% of those unvaccinated — a relative risk reduction of 24%. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, estimated that roughly one dementia case could be prevented for every 17 people vaccinated.
Using a statistical method called target trial emulation, the team tried to mimic a randomized trial, though cause-and-effect cannot be proven. People who got vaccinated were slightly younger and healthier, but adjustments did not fully explain the association. The study focused on the newest shingles vaccine, unlike previous research that often examined an older version.
Why It Matters
This research suggests that an already widely used vaccine might have extra benefits for brain health. "It fits into this large puzzle that's just starting to come together that the vaccines are effective at preventing shingles and also appear to have neuroprotective benefits," Hayes said. Since shingles vaccination is recommended for older adults, these findings could have significant public health implications for dementia prevention.
What You Can Do
If you're 50 or older, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the Shingrix vaccine — it's proven to protect against shingles and might also help your brain. For younger adults, maintaining overall health through exercise, a balanced diet, and cognitive stimulation remains key. While this study is promising, it's not proof that vaccination prevents dementia; more clinical trials are needed.
Source: ScienceDaily Mind & Brain
Curious about your own brain? Take our free adaptive IQ test or try 306 brain training levels.