Health
Shingles vaccine associated with 24% lower dementia risk in older adults, study finds
A study of over 500,000 nursing facility residents shows an association between the Shingrix vaccine and reduced dementia diagnoses, though researchers emphasize it does not prove causation.
The short version
- A study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine found that adults aged 66 and older in skilled nursing facilities who received at least one dose of the Shingrix shingles vaccine had a 24% relative reduction in dementia risk over four years compared to unvaccinated peers.
- The research examined health records and Medicare claims for more than 509,926 U.S. adults.
- Researchers and outside experts noted the study demonstrates an association rather than direct proof that the vaccine prevents or treats dementia.
- The study was funded by Shingrix manufacturer GSK, though the authors stated the company had no involvement in the study's design, analysis, or publication.
Key facts
- Brown University researchers evaluated health records and Medicare claims for over 509,926 U.S. adults aged 66 and older admitted to skilled nursing facilities.[Fox News]
- Receiving at least one dose of the recombinant shingles vaccine Shingrix was linked to a 24% relative reduction in dementia risk over a four-year period.[Fox News]
- The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix for adults aged 50 and older, as well as immunocompromised adults aged 19 and older, to prevent shingles and related complications.[Fox News]
- The research was funded by vaccine manufacturer GSK, but the authors affirmed the company had no role in designing, analyzing, or publishing the study.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The study shows a statistical association and does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship proving that the vaccine prevents cognitive decline.[Fox News]