Shingles Vaccine Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk

Recent research from the University of Oxford has revealed that the NHS shingles vaccine, Shingrix, may reduce the risk of dementia by 17% compared to the previous Zostavax vaccine, with women benefiting more significantly. The study, which analyzed health records of over 200,000 individuals, suggests that those receiving Shingrix might enjoy an additional five to nine months without dementia symptoms. Compared to other vaccines, Shingrix users experienced a 23-27% lower risk of developing dementia. Researchers propose that the vaccine could mitigate the effects of the herpes zoster virus, which is linked to dementia onset. The findings, if validated, could have substantial implications for public health, particularly in reducing dementia rates in the UK. As the shingles vaccine rollout continues, there is hope that increased uptake will lead to declining dementia diagnoses in the coming years.