WASHINGTON — There may already be a preventive measure against dementia, a debilitating condition affecting millions of older adults. A new study suggests that vaccinations against shingles might just provide this unexpected protection for aging brains. Published in the journal Nature, the research indicates that receiving a shingles vaccine could lower the risk of developing dementia in seniors by 20% over a span of seven years. This finding adds to the expanding body of knowledge on the various influences on brain health as we age and the potential interventions.
Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer of Stanford University led the study, highlighting the significant impact of this discovery. In particular, the findings suggest that women, who generally face a higher risk of dementia, may reap more benefits from this vaccination. The study specifically examined a group of individuals in Wales, who were approximately 80 years old and received the first-ever shingles vaccine over a decade ago. The emphasis for Americans now is on a newer, more effective shingles vaccine recommended for those aged 50 and older.
The implications of the findings are profound, stressing the need for people to consider receiving this shot, especially amidst the growing concern over Alzheimer’s and other dementias in an aging population. Dr. Maria Nagel of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, a specialist in viruses affecting the nervous system, affirmed that the virus responsible for shingles poses a risk for dementia. However, with the vaccine, there now exists an intervention to reduce this risk.
Shingles itself is a condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in the nerves of individuals who have previously had chickenpox. With a weakened immune defense due to aging or illness, the virus can cause an outbreak characterized by painful sores. One in three Americans may contract shingles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sometimes leading to severe complications such as nerve pain or vision loss.
The connection between shingles and dementia remains somewhat elusive since the origins of Alzheimer’s and other dementia types are not entirely understood. However, viruses from the herpes family, including the chickenpox virus, have been implicated in increasing susceptibility to these conditions. A study conducted by doctors at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital last year revealed that a shingles episode might elevate dementia risk by roughly 20%, possibly due to inflammation or direct infection of brain blood vessels by the virus.
Dr. Nagel’s research also suggests that the shingles virus can promote the creation of amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s. In light of these findings, researchers are questioning whether shingles vaccines could serve as a protective measure against dementia. However, establishing a concrete link is challenging, given that individuals who adhere to vaccine recommendations often engage in other healthy habits, such as exercising and maintaining a balanced diet.
Geldsetzer’s study leveraged a unique situation in Wales, where a specific age requirement allowed some seniors to receive the vaccine while others narrowly missed out. This effectively created a controlled scenario similar to a randomized study. The research involved over 280,000 medical records, noting that those who received the vaccine, then known as Zostavax, appeared to exhibit some dementia protection.
Moving forward, it’s crucial to test if the more current vaccine, Shingrix, provides similar protective benefits, a thread Nagel intends to pursue. Concurrently, authorities from GSK, the vaccine’s manufacturer, and UK health officials are collaborating to monitor cognitive health in vaccinated seniors. Geldsetzer is also keen to explore whether different vaccine formulations play a role in dementia protection.
The CDC currently advises that individuals aged 50 and older receive Shingrix, administered in two doses, even if they have previously received earlier vaccines. Despite its availability, less than 40% of eligible individuals in the U.S. have taken the vaccine. While there may be side effects, getting vaccinated could be a step toward safeguarding brain health. Meanwhile, experts suggest staying mentally and socially active, controlling blood pressure, and managing blood sugar levels as additional measures to mitigate dementia risk.