Shingles vaccine linked to 20% reduced dementia risk in new study
A recent study has revealed a groundbreaking connection between the shingles vaccine and a 20% reduction in dementia risk over a seven-year period. Published in Nature, the research analyzed a large dataset from Wales, where the introduction of the shingles vaccination program in 2013 provided a rare “natural experiment” to evaluate the vaccine’s long-term effects.
This unexpected finding could reshape public health strategies aimed at dementia prevention.
Key Takeaways: How Shingles Vaccine Protects the Brain
- 20% Risk Reduction: Individuals who received the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia.
- Natural Experiment Design: Vaccine eligibility was based strictly on birthdates, creating clear test and control groups.
- Causal Evidence: The study used advanced statistical methods to prove a causal link, not just a correlation.
- Stronger Effect in Women: The protective benefit appeared more significant in women than in men.
Understanding the Study’s Unique Design
The research team, led by Dr. Markus Eyting from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Dr. Min Xie from the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, used a regression discontinuity design—a method typically used in economics. This allowed them to assess the vaccine’s effect with minimal bias.
What made the study unique?
- People born just before September 2, 1933, were ineligible for the vaccine.
- Those born just after were eligible, giving researchers two nearly identical groups for comparison.
- This approach ensured that vaccination status was the main difference between the groups.
Shingles Vaccine’s Surprising Role in Dementia Prevention
While shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus, the vaccine has now shown benefits beyond its primary purpose. According to researchers, neurotropic viruses like herpes zoster may contribute to dementia risk. By preventing infection or reactivation of the virus, the shingles vaccine may indirectly protect cognitive function.
“This is a potential new pathway for public health efforts to reduce dementia risk in older adults,” said Dr. Eyting.
Why This Matters for Public Health
Dementia affects millions worldwide and has no known cure. Prevention is now a top priority for healthcare systems globally. The findings of this study suggest that routine shingles vaccination could play a dual role in protecting both physical and mental health.
Benefits of the Shingles Vaccine:
- Prevents painful shingles outbreaks
- Reduces long-term neurological complications
- May delay or prevent onset of dementia
- Encourages brain-healthy aging
Expert Collaboration and Recognition
The study brought together economists, medical researchers, and data scientists from:
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health
- Stanford University
- Vienna University of Economics and Business
Dr. Eyting was honored with the 2023 Young Economist Award by the European Economic Association for his research into health and social science data.
What’s Next? Expanding the Research
The study was also replicated in a larger population across England and Wales using death certificate data. Results remained consistent, further supporting the idea that the herpes zoster vaccine can reduce dementia-related deaths.
Researchers now urge policymakers to consider the broader neurological benefits of routine vaccinations in aging populations.
Final Thoughts
The shingles vaccine, already recommended for older adults, now offers a compelling new reason for early immunization: protecting brain health and reducing dementia risk.
With dementia cases expected to rise, this vaccine could become a key tool in the fight against cognitive
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