Takeaways
- Dementia is a growing global health concern, and while there is no cure, research suggests a potential link between shingles vaccines and a decreased risk of developing dementia.
- Studies have shown that older adults who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine had a lower risk of developing dementia, and similar research indicates that the Shingrix vaccine might also slow its development.
- While more research is needed to confirm a causal link, the findings offer hope that shingles vaccines could play a role in dementia prevention, and getting vaccinated is recommended for its proven protection against shingles.
There is a good chance that you or someone you know has been affected by dementia. As the global population ages, dementia is increasingly becoming a major public health concern. According to the World Health Organization, 57 million people worldwide had dementia in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases occurring every year. Dementia affects over 6 million Americans and causes more than 100,000 deaths each year, according to the National Institutes of Health.
There is still no cure for dementia, but some studies have found a potential correlation between vaccines for shingles and a decreased risk of developing dementia.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease, but a general term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but it can also result from vascular issues, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal degeneration, or infections. It primarily affects older adults and is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse over time.
Understanding Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chicken pox. After someone recovers from chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later as shingles.
Shingles can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults, including long-lasting nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), vision loss, and brain inflammation (encephalitis). Now, emerging research suggests that shingles may also play a role in the development of dementia.
Shingles and the Brain
Recent studies have explored the possible connection between viral infections and dementia. Some researchers believe that inflammation triggered by viruses, including herpes viruses, may accelerate cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that the varicella-zoster virus can been found in the brains of some people with dementia, and some studies suggest that it may contribute to neuroinflammation, a key factor in diseases like Alzheimer’s. This has led scientists to postulate that if shingles contributes to a greater risk of dementia, then preventing shingles could reduce the risk of dementia.
The Shingles Vaccines Zostavax and Shingrix
Two primary vaccines are currently approved to prevent shingles:
- Zostavax. Approved in 2006, this attenuated vaccine reduced shingles risk by about 51 percent and postherpetic neuralgia by 67 percent. However, its effectiveness wanes over time, and as of 2020 it is no longer recommended in the United States.
- Shingrix. Approved in 2017, this newer vaccine has largely replaced Zostavax. Shingrix, a recombinant vaccine, is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia in adults older than 50 years who have healthy immune systems. Shingrix requires two doses, given two to six months apart, and is currently the preferred vaccine for shingles prevention.
Can These Vaccines Reduce Your Dementia Risk Factors?
Growing evidence suggests Zostavax and Shingrix might reduce the risk of developing dementia. Large-scale population studies have reported lower rates of dementia in older adults who received shingles vaccinations compared to those who did not.
A study published in Nature, and reported on by The Guardian, analyzed data from more than 280,000 older adults in Wales. Researchers found that those who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine had a 20 percent lower risk of developing dementia over the following seven years.
Zostavax is no longer available in the U.S. It has been replaced by Shingrix, which has been found to be more effective against shingles. By studying medical records of Americans who received the Shingrix vaccine, researchers found that Shingrix might also be able to slow the development of dementia.
Though these findings are promising, scientists are cautious. These are observational studies, meaning they show correlation, not causation. People who get vaccinated may differ in important ways from those who do not; for example, they may be more health-conscious or have better access to care.
Still, the consistency across different populations and settings is compelling. Researchers believe that the mechanism could involve reducing inflammation and protecting the nervous system from viral damage. By preventing shingles outbreaks, the vaccines may also be preventing the virus from damaging the brain.
If future studies confirm a causal link, shingles vaccines could play a major role in dementia prevention. This would be a significant breakthrough, given the limited number of proven strategies to prevent or delay dementia.
Access and Insurance Coverage
Medicare Part D covers the Shingrix vaccine, although some beneficiaries may have to pay a copay. Private insurance plans often cover the vaccine as well, especially under the Affordable Care Act. Still, access and affordability can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider or pharmacist.
Preparing for One’s Later Years
Dementia remains one of the most challenging and costly health issues facing older adults. Although many risk factors for dementia, such as age and genetics, can’t be changed, vaccines may offer a promising tool for prevention.
The shingles vaccines Zostavax and Shingrix are already proven to prevent a painful and potentially serious affliction. Now, mounting evidence suggests they may offer an unexpected benefit: reducing the risk of dementia. Though more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms involved, the existing data offer hope, and another good reason to get vaccinated.
The effects of dementia usually reveal themselves slowly, but they eventually become quite pronounced. Advance planning can make the transition from mental acuity to cognitive impairment smoother and give the affected person and their family peace of mind. Contact an elder law attorney in your area to learn about your options for long-term care planning.
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