Study Links Shingles Vaccine to Reduced Dementia Risk

A new study reveals that shingles vaccination may cut dementia risk by 20% in older adults, especially beneficial for women.

l 50%

c 25%

r 25%

Shingles is awful, but there may be another reason to get vaccinated. It may fight dementia

Associated Press

Newborns treated with antibiotics respond less well to vaccines, study shows

The Guardian

Study finds strongest evidence yet that shingles vaccine helps cut dementia risk

The Guardian

Shingles Vaccine Reduces Risk for Dementia

Newsmax

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Research published in Nature shows that older adults vaccinated with Zostavax have a 20% lower risk of developing dementia over seven years. The study tracked over 280,000 medical records and suggests that the vaccine may prevent inflammation in the nervous system, a potential contributor to dementia. Lead researcher Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer indicates strong gender differences, with women benefiting more from the vaccination. While the findings prompt further investigation into the newer Shingrix vaccine, it underscores the public health implications as dementia rates rise. Current vaccination rates remain low, with fewer than 40% of eligible Americans vaccinated.

Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.

Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

A new study indicates that shingles vaccination can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 20% in older adults, a finding that could have significant public health implications, especially for women who are at higher risk.
The study utilized a natural experiment based in Wales, where eligibility for the shingles vaccine created a comparison group of individuals, allowing for robust analysis of dementia risk.
Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into how current vaccines like Shingrix might also impact dementia risk while encouraging vaccination to promote brain health.

How we categorize media bias