Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Studies Show
Recent research indicates that vaccination against shingles may help reduce the risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of preventive health measures.
A significant new study published in the journal Nature reveals that individuals who received the shingles vaccine experienced a 20% lower chance of developing dementia within seven years compared to unvaccinated individuals. This finding adds weight to previous research suggesting that viral infections can negatively impact cognitive function over time. Dr. Paul Harrison, an Oxford University psychiatry professor, noted the implications of such a reduction are substantial for public health, especially considering the limited options currently available to slow dementia progression. The varicella-zoster virus, which leads to shingles, affects older adults when the immune system weakens, causing painful symptoms and potentially leading to chronic nerve pain. Further investigations are necessary to determine if the vaccine's protective effects extend beyond seven years.
Recent research indicates that vaccination against shingles may help reduce the risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of preventive health measures.
A significant new study published in the journal Nature reveals that individuals who received the shingles vaccine experienced a 20% lower chance of developing dementia within seven years compared to unvaccinated individuals. This finding adds weight to previous research suggesting that viral infections can negatively impact cognitive function over time. Dr. Paul Harrison, an Oxford University psychiatry professor, noted the implications of such a reduction are substantial for public health, especially considering the limited options currently available to slow dementia progression. The varicella-zoster virus, which leads to shingles, affects older adults when the immune system weakens, causing painful symptoms and potentially leading to chronic nerve pain. Further investigations are necessary to determine if the vaccine's protective effects extend beyond seven years.
