Dementia is a devastating condition that now affects more than 57 million people globally. It’s growing fast, and according to some projections, that number may reach over 150 million by the year 2050. Recent studies suggest that vaccination against shingles may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, presenting a potential new avenue for public health interventions aimed at this growing crisis.
With a shocking rate of growth in dementia cases—117% growth from 1990-2016—questions about prevention efforts are more pressing and urgent than ever before. Shingles, a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the dormant chickenpox virus in nerve cells, has been linked to an elevated risk of dementia. Emerging evidence from a recent study, although not yet definitive, suggests that the shingles vaccine may reduce this risk by as much as 20%.
Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination. The shingles vaccine, one of the most effective vaccines available with more than 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles, has no causal link to serious adverse events. It’s especially important to ensure that the new shingles vaccine is used among older adults who are highly vulnerable to both shingles and dementia. In the U.S., receiving a full two-dose series of the vaccine is around $400. That cost could be paid by Medicare or insurance, at least partly or potentially completely. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) provides the vaccine at no charge. This benefit has been applied to those between the ages of 60 and 80, as well as immunocompromised people.
What makes the study so incredibly powerful is that it’s like a randomized trial. The study it draws upon features a control group of individuals just a bit too old to be eligible for the vaccine and an intervention group made up of people just young enough, elaborated Pascal Geldsetzer, MD, PhD, MPH.
Experts stress that while these findings are encouraging, we are far from having enough evidence. This further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between shingles vaccination and a reduced risk of dementia. An undisclosed health expert told the Independent that this new research presents compelling evidence linking shingles vaccination to a reduced risk of dementia. Yet a definitive randomized controlled trial is needed to establish an unambiguous causal link. “If confirmed, this could shift public health priorities and encourage further research into how vaccines might play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.”
In addition to vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy diet as critical factors in reducing dementia risk. They further encourage the ongoing management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Researchers say that vaccines may impact dementia risk differently based on gender. As one anonymous source noted, women typically have a better immune response to vaccines. Surprisingly, matching this extreme response may lead to an even larger protective effect. This would be particularly important given that shingles is known to be more prevalent among women.
The economic impact of these discoveries is enormous. Vaccine experts optimistic about shingles vaccine “The results make a stronger case for promoting shingles vaccination among older adults,” said Thomas J. Ongoing research will hopefully establish a direct connection between the vaccine and a reduced likelihood of developing dementia. If it does, vaccination might just become a better public health ace in the hole. The economic and social burden of dementia care is substantial. A comparably low-cost vaccine would be a highly cost-effective preventive strategy.
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