Shingles vaccine linked to 24% lower dementia risk
Researchers found the association after comparing more than 500,000 older adults, with dementia developing in 18.8% of vaccinated participants and 24.6% of unvaccinated peers.
- On Wednesday, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is associated with a 24% lower dementia risk over four years among older adults in skilled-nursing facilities.
- Researchers analyzed Medicare records for over 500,000 older adults admitted to skilled nursing facilities between 2017 and 2022, comparing outcomes between those receiving at least one dose of Shingrix and those who remained unvaccinated.
- Over the four-year follow-up, dementia developed in 18.8% of vaccinated participants versus 24.6% of unvaccinated individuals, translating to roughly one dementia case prevented for every 17 people vaccinated.
- Lead author Kaley Hayes noted the study was observational, requiring clinical trials to definitively confirm whether the vaccine directly lowers dementia risk rather than reflecting other unmeasured health factors.
- Researchers emphasize that findings could point to broader benefits for physical and cognitive health in vulnerable populations, though causal links remain unproven without prospective clinical trials and mechanistic studies.
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The US switch in shingles vaccines revealed an unexpected heart health pattern
In a natural experiment involving 72,920 propensity-matched US adults aged 60 years and older, recombinant shingles vaccination was associated with a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden over seven years compared with the live attenuated vaccine. Lower burdens of ischemic heart disease and heart failure were seen in both sexes, while ischemic stroke was significantly lower only among men, supporting further clinical trials and mechanistic stud…
Current shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure
Shingles is a painful and serious condition affecting many older people. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus, which can flare up in people who previously had chickenpox. A vaccine against shingles (Zostavax) was introduced in 2006. In many countries, including the U.K. and U.S., Zostavax has now been withdrawn and replaced by a much more effective recombinant vaccine (Shingrix). In the U.K., Shingrix is being offered by the NHS to all older …
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der Standard DEThose who can be vaccinated with Shingrix could have additional health benefits. Researchers observe a slightly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Shingles vaccine found to lower risk of heart diseases, strokes
A Nature Medicine study found lower cardiovascular burden in older adults who received Shingrix instead of the older live shingles vaccine. The findings have sharpened interest in benefits beyond shingles prevention, though trials are still needed to confirm any direct effect.
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