A well-known vaccine already given to many older adults may come with a surprising bonus: a reduced risk of dementia. New research from the United States suggests a strong link between virus protection and brain health.
An Older Vaccine With Unexpected Effects
Originally developed to protect against a painful virus, this vaccine also appears to reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 20 percent over time.
Target Was Shingles — But Results Went Further
The vaccine was created to combat herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, a viral infection that can cause serious discomfort, particularly in older adults.
Viruses May Harm the Brain
Past studies indicate that certain viral infections may cause brain inflammation and damage to blood vessels — both known contributors to cognitive decline.
A New Path to Prevention
This discovery opens up a surprising avenue for dementia prevention at a time when no official preventative treatments currently exist.
Women Saw the Biggest Benefits
The data showed that women experienced a greater reduction in risk than men — possibly due to differences in immune responses.
The Study Followed Seniors Over Seven Years
Researchers tracked thousands of older individuals for seven years, comparing dementia cases between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
Dementia Risk Dropped Significantly
Among those who had received the vaccine, dementia cases were 20 percent lower — a result researchers did not initially expect.
Virus May Accelerate Harmful Proteins
Herpes zoster may also promote the buildup of amyloid proteins — a key feature in the development of dementia-related diseases.
A New Version of the Vaccine Under Review
The original vaccine has since been replaced by an updated version. The next step is to see if it offers the same cognitive protection.
Classic Advice Still Applies
Despite new findings, experts still recommend staying socially and mentally active, managing blood pressure, and keeping blood sugar stable to protect the brain.
This article is based on information from Illustreret Videnskab