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Shingles Vaccine: A Surprising Ally Against Dementia

New research shows that the shingles vaccine may significantly lower the risk of developing dementia.

By Pam BelluckSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Shingles Vaccine: A Surprising Ally Against Dementia
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

A recent study published in the journal Nature has revealed that receiving the shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of dementia by 20% over seven years. This finding highlights the impact viral infections can have on long-term brain health. Dr. Paul Harrison, a psychiatrist at Oxford, noted that these results are significant, especially given the lack of effective treatments for dementia currently available. Shingles arises from the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body and can reactivate with age. The protective effects of vaccination on brain function present an exciting area for further research.

Shingles Vaccine: A Surprising Ally Against Dementia New research shows that the shingles vaccine may significantly lower the risk of developing dementia.A recent study published in the journal Nature has revealed that receiving the shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of dementia by 20% over seven years. This finding highlights the impact viral infections can have on long-term brain health. Dr. Paul Harrison, a psychiatrist at Oxford, noted that these results are significant, especially given the lack of effective treatments for dementia currently available. Shingles arises from the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body and can reactivate with age. The protective effects of vaccination on brain function present an exciting area for further research.

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