A vaccine recommended for adults over 50 to prevent shingles may also significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia and cardiovascular diseases, according to recent studies. The shingles vaccine, particularly the newer formulation Shingrix, has been associated with lower rates of dementia, heart failure, stroke, and other heart conditions.
One large study involving over 500,000 adults aged 66 and older found that individuals who received at least one dose of the shingles vaccine were less likely to develop dementia. The study, conducted by researchers at Brown University, indicated that dementia developed in 18.8% of vaccinated participants compared to 24.6% of unvaccinated participants. This suggests that approximately one in 17 dementia cases could potentially be prevented by the vaccine, which targets the varicella-zoster virus responsible for shingles.
Researchers hypothesize that the vaccine might offer "neuroprotective benefits," potentially due to the intricate connection between overall physical health and cognitive function. The vaccine is designed to prevent the painful, blistering rash of shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can cause severe nerve pain and vision loss.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Further research has explored the vaccine's impact on cardiovascular health. A study comparing the efficacy of the older shingles vaccine (Zostavax) with the newer Shingrix vaccine found significant differences. Shingrix, which does not use a live virus and has been the sole option available in the U.S. since 2020, proved to be more effective.
Compared to Zostavax, the Shingrix vaccine was associated with a 9% lower risk of heart problems over seven years. It also showed a 10% decreased risk of ischemic heart disease, a condition where narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the heart, and a 12% reduced risk of heart failure. In men, the vaccine was linked to a 12% lower risk of ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke caused by blood vessel blockages.
Previous research also indicated that the shingles vaccine could lower the risk of any major heart event by 46% in vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated ones. Scientists suggest that the vaccine may induce immune changes and affect endothelial cells, the inner lining of blood vessels, contributing to heart protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all healthy adults aged 50 and older receive both doses of the shingles vaccine, administered about six months apart. While immunity from the vaccine gradually wanes over time, the CDC currently states there is no need for a booster shot after completing the two-dose series.