What's happened
New research suggests that the Shingrix vaccine used to prevent shingles could significantly delay the onset of dementia. The study on over 200,000 older individuals found that those who received the Shingrix vaccine were diagnosed with dementia an average of 164 days later than those who received the older Zostavax jab. The effect is as pronounced as the first new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. The biological mechanism behind this effect is unknown, but the findings are highly statistically significant.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the study found a substantial reduction in dementia diagnoses in the six years after receiving the Shingrix vaccine. The Independent highlighted that the Shingrix vaccine is linked to a 17% lower risk of dementia compared to the Zostavax jab. The researchers emphasized the importance of further research to validate these findings and explore the potential preventive effects of the shingles vaccine on dementia.
How we got here
Shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus and can lead to serious health issues in older individuals. Previous studies had hinted at a possible connection between shingles vaccination and a lower risk of dementia. The development of the more effective Shingrix vaccine prompted a rapid switch in the US from Zostavax to Shingrix in 2017, providing an opportunity for researchers to study the long-term effects on dementia risk.
Go deeper
- How does the Shingrix vaccine differ from the Zostavax jab?
- What are the next steps in validating the link between the shingles vaccine and dementia prevention?
- How might this research impact public health policies regarding vaccination and dementia prevention?
Common question
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