A vaccine that was originally developed to prevent a completely different disease is now showing a startling and extremely positive side effect: It can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 20 percent.
This is according to a new and comprehensive study that compared health data from 280,000 adults in the UK. The results have just been published in the renowned scientific journal Nature.
At Valida Health, we offer shingles vaccination as part of our preventive health efforts – and new research indicates that the benefits may extend far beyond protection against viral outbreaks.
20% lower risk of dementia – most evident among women
The new study focuses on Zostavax, a shingles vaccine previously used in the UK, among other countries. Researchers from Stanford University analyzed data from the Welsh health system, which over a decade ago introduced a national vaccination program for citizens born after September 2, 1933.
This sharp age limit has allowed researchers to compare the risk of dementia in vaccinated and unvaccinated groups – with striking results.
"For the first time, we are able to say much more confidently that the shingles vaccine causes a reduction in the risk of dementia. If it is truly a causal effect, we have a finding that is of enormous importance,"
says physician and researcher Pascal Geldsetzer from Stanford University.
The study showed that people who had received the vaccine were significantly less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years, and the effect was particularly evident among women.
Newer vaccines may also have the same effect
Although Zostavax® is no longer used in Denmark since 2022, recent research from Oxford University has indicated that Shingrix® – the vaccine currently used in Denmark – may also have a protective effect against dementia.
However, the new Stanford study documents a stronger and more unambiguous connection than previous research – and thus strengthens the basis for seeing shingles vaccination as an important piece in the prevention of dementia.
Valida Health offers shingles vaccination
At Valida Health, we offer Shingrix® as a two-dose shingles vaccination for adults – typically people over 50 years of age or people at increased risk of complications. The vaccine is well-documented to:
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Protect against herpes zoster virus (shingles)
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Reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain
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Potentially reduce the risk of dementia, according to the latest research
Dementia in Denmark: A growing health problem
The relevance of the study is also high in a Danish context: Around 100,000 Danes are currently living with dementia. With an aging population, the number is expected to increase sharply in the coming years – which increases the need for preventive measures that can slow the development of the disease before it starts.
Vaccination against shingles now appears to be a low-cost and effective supplement to existing prevention efforts – and it only requires two shots.
Sources:
Read more about the entire study here or here
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) - read more here
Dementia Statistics Denmark - read more here
