Can A Shingles Shot Prevent Dementia? Here’s What The Research Says

The Shot Nurse is committed to helping our community maintain good health and longevity. We stay informed about conditions such as dementia and shingles, which are often found in people over a certain age. The shingles vaccine can protect you from the awful and painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, also known as the shingles virus. New research suggests an additional benefit: The vaccine may also lower the risk of developing dementia.

What is Shingles?

The Shot Nurse strongly advises all patients over the age of 50 to receive the Shingrix vaccine as a preventive measure against shingles. Shingles is a viral infection that manifests as a painful rash and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. The virus responsible for shingles is the same one that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant within the body and can reactivate later in life, particularly as one ages, when the immune system may weaken. The Shingrix vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function that affects daily life. It impacts memory, reasoning, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia; other types include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Although dementia primarily affects older adults, it is not a regular part of aging. Research into the causes of dementia is ongoing, and emerging evidence suggests that infection, inflammation, and overall immune health may play a role in its development.

The Surprising Link Between Shingles and Dementia

Recent research, including a large-scale UK study, has suggested a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a decreased risk of dementia. This study found that individuals who received the shingles vaccine were almost 30% less likely to develop dementia over the following seven years compared to those who did not receive the vaccine. The connection between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of dementia has even been highlighted by major news outlets like CNN. Some promising theories exist, but researchers are still not completely certain why. Here are a few of the theories:

• Immune system activation: The shingles vaccine has the potential to enhance overall immune system function, and this boost may offer additional protection for brain health and lower the risk of cognitive decline.
• Lower inflammation levels: Chronic inflammation is linked to many neurological diseases. Shingles complications can lead to systemic inflammation throughout the body, which has been linked to various neurological diseases, including dementia. By mitigating the effects of shingles and its complications, the vaccine may help decrease systemic inflammation which has potential of  lowering the risk of developing dementia.
• Prevention of viral reactivation: Reactivated viral infections within the nervous system have been associated with certain types of dementia. Taking preventative measures against shingles outbreaks may help mitigate this risk and potentially lower the likelihood of developing dementia.

Does this Research Guarantee Protection Against Dementia?

It is essential to understand that this study is still in its infancy and is not a cure or guarantee against dementia. However, if it offers even a modest risk reduction, that is one more reason to prioritize getting this safe and effective vaccination, especially since shingles itself can be so debilitating and painful.

Plus, the good news is that the CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for adults 50 years and older, so most insurance plans cover it.

Protect More Than Just Your Skin

Getting the shingles shot is not just about avoiding the painful rash associated with Shingles. It might be a simple, proactive step in protecting your long-term brain health, too. At The Shot Nurse, we make it easy to get vaccinated quickly, affordably, and with no appointment necessary. You can also rest assured we will continue to provide more information on this subject as it becomes available, so be sure to check our blog often. If you are 50 years or older, or caring for someone who is, it might be time to consider how a shingles shot can support healthy aging.