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An older shingles vaccine may offer unexpected protection againstdementia, new research suggests.
The findings add to growing evidence that vaccines may play a role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine that uses a weakened form of the virus.
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Last year, another study by Oxford researchers found an even stronger association between Shingrix and dementia protection.
However, the study was sparked by a unique circumstance in Wales.
After that, eligibility shifted to the next group of 79-year-olds.
Those who were 80 or older as of that date were never eligible.
They accounted for potential differences between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, such as medication use and doctor visits.
After weeding out those factors, the vaccinated group was 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
Another theory is that vaccines in general may have a neuroprotective effect.
Prior research showed that vaccines against influenza and pneumonia were also linked to a lower risk of Alzheimers dementia.
The CDC advises everyone 50 and older to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine.
Published online April 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08800-x
Drugs.com.Zostavax FDA approval history.
Food and Drug Administration: Purple Book Database of Licensed Biological Products.Product details for: Shingrix.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles facts and stats.
