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Rachel V Thomas

Shingles Vaccine May Help Fight Dementia, Suggest Studies

Several recent studies suggest that older adults who receive the <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/shingles">shingles</a> vaccine</span> may be less likely to develop dementia, a condition affecting more than 57 million people worldwide.

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/shingles">Shingles</a></span> is a painful viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (<span>VZV</span>), which can remain dormant after chickenpox and later trigger a blistering rash and severe nerve pain.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Shingrix Vaccine</span> And Reduced Dementia Risk</h2>

A June 2026 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that one in 17 dementia cases could potentially be prevented through shingles vaccination.

Researchers at Brown University found that older adults who received the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) after a stay in a skilled nursing facility had a 24% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia over four years than those who were not vaccinated.

The study analyzed Medicare and health records from more than 500,000 adults aged 66 and older admitted to skilled nursing facilities. Researchers compared those who received at least one dose of Shingrix with those who remained unvaccinated.

“A lot of previous studies with similar results focused on an older vaccine,” said study author Kaley Hayes, an assistant professor at Brown University’s School of Public Health.

“This study looks at the newest vaccine only in an older, vulnerable adult population who were not up to date with shingles vaccination and are at a very clear clinical point in care: entering a skilled nursing facility.”

The findings add to growing evidence linking shingles vaccination with a lower risk of dementia.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/how-to-spot-leptospirosis-dengue-malaria-during-monsoons-early-symptoms-not-to-neglect-article-154775884" data-type="tilCustomLink">How To Spot Leptospirosis, Dengue, Malaria During Monsoons? Early Symptoms Not To Neglect</a>

<h2>How Does The Vaccine Protect The Brain?</h2>

Researchers believe the vaccine may help protect the brain by preventing shingles and the inflammation caused by the virus.

Shingles can cause a “war zone” of inflammation in the brain, said Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, the medical director of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program in Northern Virginia, NBC News reported.

It’s not that the shingles vaccine itself is a “magic pill,” Pauldurai said.

Rather, the vaccine guards against the disease, which is known to disrupt brain health.

<h2>Evidence from Wales, Australia, and Canada</h2>

The latest findings add to a growing body of international research.  

A study involving more than 282,000 older adults in Wales, published in Nature in 2025, found shingles vaccination was associated with a 3.5% lower absolute risk of dementia over seven years.

Another study of more than 101,000 older adults in Australia, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2025, found vaccine eligibility was associated with a 1.8% lower dementia risk over 7.4 years.

Similarly, a study involving more than 232,000 older adults in Canada, published in The Lancet Neurology in 2026, linked shingles vaccine eligibility to a 2% lower dementia risk over 5.5 years.

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/sepsis-india-joins-global-trial-to-screen-newborns-for-deadly-drug-resistant-infections-article-154769785" data-type="tilCustomLink">Sepsis: India Joins Global Trial To Screen Newborns For Deadly Drug-Resistant Infections</a>

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the VZV virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can become active again years or even decades later, particularly when the immune system weakens.

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of developing shingles.

According to the NHS, shingles often starts with:

<ul><li>Burning, tingling, itching, or pain on one side of the body</li><li>Headache or feeling generally unwell</li><li>A blistering rash that develops within a few days, most commonly on the chest or abdomen</li></ul>

<ul><li>The rash appears on or near the eye</li><li>The pain is severe or rapidly spreading</li><li>You have a weakened immune system</li><li>You are pregnant</li><li>Symptoms are worsening quickly</li></ul>

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Several recent studies suggest that older adults who receive the shingles vaccine may be less likely to develop dementia, a condition affecting more than 57 million people worldwide.Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which can remain dormant after chickenpox and later trigger a blistering rash and severe nerve pain.Shingrix Vaccine And Reduced Dementia RiskA June 2026 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that one in 17 dementia cases could potentially be prevented through shingles vaccination.Researchers at Brown University found that older adults who received the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) after a stay in a skilled nursing facility had a 24% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia over four years than those who were not vaccinated.The study analyzed Medicare and health records from more than 500,000 adults aged 66 and older admitted to skilled nursing facilities. Researchers compared those who received at least one dose of Shingrix with those who remained unvaccinated.“A lot of previous studies with similar results focused on an older vaccine,” said study author Kaley Hayes, an assistant professor at Brown University’s School of Public Health.“This study looks at the newest vaccine only in an older, vulnerable adult population who were not up to date with shingles vaccination and are at a very clear clinical point in care: entering a skilled nursing facility.”The findings add to growing evidence linking shingles vaccination with a lower risk of dementia.Also read: How To Spot Leptospirosis, Dengue, Malaria During Monsoons? Early Symptoms Not To NeglectHow Does The Vaccine Protect The Brain?Researchers believe the vaccine may help protect the brain by preventing shingles and the inflammation caused by the virus.Shingles can cause a “war zone” of inflammation in the brain, said Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, the medical director of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program in Northern Virginia, NBC News reported.It’s not that the shingles vaccine itself is a “magic pill,” Pauldurai said. Rather, the vaccine guards against the disease, which is known to disrupt brain health.Evidence from Wales, Australia, and CanadaThe latest findings add to a growing body of international research.  A study involving more than 282,000 older adults in Wales, published in Nature in 2025, found shingles vaccination was associated with a 3.5% lower absolute risk of dementia over seven years.Another study of more than 101,000 older adults in Australia, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2025, found vaccine eligibility was associated with a 1.8% lower dementia risk over 7.4 years.Similarly, a study involving more than 232,000 older adults in Canada, published in The Lancet Neurology in 2026, linked shingles vaccine eligibility to a 2% lower dementia risk over 5.5 years.Read More: Sepsis: India Joins Global Trial To Screen Newborns For Deadly Drug-Resistant InfectionsShingles: Early Warning SignsAfter a person recovers from chickenpox, the VZV virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can become active again years or even decades later, particularly when the immune system weakens.Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of developing shingles. According to the NHS, shingles often starts with:Burning, tingling, itching, or pain on one side of the bodyHeadache or feeling generally unwellA blistering rash that develops within a few days, most commonly on the chest or abdomenWhen To See A DoctorSeek prompt medical attention if:The rash appears on or near the eyeThe pain is severe or rapidly spreadingYou have a weakened immune systemYou are pregnantSymptoms are worsening quickly

shingles vaccine may help fight dementia, suggest studies

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