The shingles vaccine has been shown to have potential benefits beyond just preventing painful rashes and blisters from reactivating the chickenpox virus. Research suggests that getting vaccinated against shingles may also lower the risk of age-related degenerative cognitive impairments, including dementia.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, with around 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. While there is no cure for dementia, medications and therapies can slow mental decline.
A 2025 study published in Nature found that individuals who received the shingles vaccine were about one-fifth less likely to be diagnosed with any type of dementia within a seven-year timeframe. Female subjects seemed to have fewer cases of dementia than their male counterparts.
However, it is unclear if the recombinant vaccine Shingrix would produce similar results, as the study only looked at the live-attenuated Zostavax vaccine. A 2024 study in Nature Medicine reached a similar conclusion about Shingrix’s potential benefits but noted that larger studies are needed for more evidence.
Researchers believe that shingles reactivations may contribute to dementia due to deposits of proteins and neuroinflammation in brain cells. Stopping these reactivations might help prevent the disease. According to Dr. Aarati Didwania, a Northwestern University medical professor, getting vaccinated against shingles is important regardless of its potential benefits, as it can alleviate pain and discomfort.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people consider getting the Shingrix vaccine after turning 50, including those who previously received the Zostavax vaccine.
Source: https://www.healthdigest.com/1945690/shingles-vaccine-help-prevent-common-age-related-illness-dementia