.jpeg)
Herpes (shingles) infection typically begins with red rashes on the skin that can affect different parts of the body.
A recent study has revealed that vaccination against shingles may reduce the risk of dementia. Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox, which remains dormant in the body for life. As a person ages, the likelihood of developing shingles increases. Therefore, it is recommended that people over the age of 50 receive the shingles vaccine.
The study found that the newer shingles vaccine, Shingrix, available since 2017, is more effective at reducing the risk of dementia than the older vaccine Zostavax. Individuals who received the Shingrix vaccine were found to have a 17% lower risk of developing dementia over the next six years. This reduction was particularly notable in women.
Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine, meaning it uses a small part of the virus to stimulate an immune response. The findings suggest that herpes zoster infection, which causes shingles, may contribute to the development of dementia. Therefore, Shingrix, which offers more effective protection against shingles, may also help reduce the risk of dementia.
The study also noted that vaccination boosts the immune system in general, which may help in lowering the risk of dementia. For example, the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis, has also been linked to a reduced risk of dementia.
Thus, the shingles vaccine not only offers protection against shingles but may also help safeguard the brain in the long term. Considering this, especially in older age, getting the shingles vaccine can be a wise decision.