A new Brown University study reveals that the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, does more than prevent a painful rash—it may also lower dementia risk.
Key Findings
- 24% Lower Risk: Older adults who received at least one Shingrix dose were 24% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over four years than unvaccinated peers.
- The Math: Researchers estimate this equals 1 dementia case prevented for every 17 people vaccinated.
- The Study: Analyzed over 500,000 adults aged 66+ entering skilled nursing facilities between 2017 and 2022. Overall, 18.8% of vaccinated participants developed dementia compared to 24.6% of unvaccinated adults.
What It Means
While older shingles shots showed similar neuroprotective benefits, this is the first study focused exclusively on Shingrix—the current standard available since 2017.
Lead author Kaley Hayes notes that while the study shows a strong link, it cannot prove direct cause and effect yet. Vaccinated participants tended to be slightly younger and healthier, so clinical trials are needed to confirm the connection.
Source: Science Daily
