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4w ago

Shingles Vaccine Linked to 20% Reduction in Dementia Risk, Study Finds

New research published in Nature strengthens evidence of a causal relationship and calls for further trials to confirm findings and explore mechanisms.

Professor Ruth Itzhaki has to stop herself from feeling bitter about the way she was treated
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Overview

  • A study published in Nature on April 2, 2025, shows a 20% lower risk of dementia among individuals vaccinated against shingles, based on a natural experiment in Wales.
  • The study utilized an age-based eligibility cutoff from Wales' 2013 shingles vaccination program, providing robust comparative data to minimize biases.
  • Researchers propose that the vaccine may reduce dementia risk by preventing viral reactivation, reducing inflammation, or through broader immune system effects.
  • Women experienced stronger protective effects from the vaccine, potentially due to differences in immune responses, highlighting gender-specific benefits.
  • Calls for randomized controlled trials are growing to confirm the findings, explore underlying mechanisms, and assess the potential of newer vaccines like Shingrix.