Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia, Heart Risks

Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia, Heart Risks

Why in the News ?

Recent studies from Wales and South Korea suggest the shingles vaccine may reduce not only shingles infections but also the risk of dementia and cardiovascular conditions. These findings boost the vaccine’s potential role in preventive healthcare and neurodegenerative protection.

Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia, Heart Risks

New Evidence: Reduced Dementia and Heart Risk

  • A Welsh study used a natural experiment from a 2013 rollout, comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts of similar age.
  • It found a 5 percentage point drop in dementia, translating to a 20% lower risk over 7 years.
  • A South Korean study (12 million participants) found a 23–26% reduction in cardiovascular conditions: stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and clotting disorders.

  • Benefits were more notable in men, under-60s, and those with unhealthy lifestyles.

Why the Findings Matter for Public Health

  • The Welsh study’s natural design mimics a randomized control trial — the gold standard in research.
  • Vaccination may prevent the virus from triggering cognitive decline, offering neuroprotective effects.
  • Other vaccines (e.g., diphtheria, hepatitis B) also show lower dementia associations, suggesting a broader immune-related protection.

  • Promotes the idea of vaccines as tools for healthy ageing and chronic disease prevention.

What is Shingles and Who Needs the Vaccine?

●     Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same that causes chickenpox.

●     It causes painful rashes, often in a stripe pattern on one side of the body.

●     The virus stays dormant post-chickenpox and can reactivate when immunity weakens.

●     Severe cases can lead to vision loss, facial paralysis, or brain inflammation.

●     Vaccines like Zostavax and Shingrix are recommended for those over 50 or with weakened immunity.