Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, New Study Reveals

A recent study emphasizes the shingles vaccine's potential in reducing dementia risk, marking a significant development in public health.

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, researchers have discovered that receiving the shingles vaccine can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of dementia. The study, released on April 2, 2025, reveals that individuals who had been vaccinated against shingles were found to be 20 percent less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year period compared to those who did not receive the vaccine.

Dr. Paul Harrison, a psychiatry professor at Oxford, highlighted the significance of these findings, noting the importance of vaccination in the broader public health conversation, especially given the limited preventative measures against dementia. While the study focused on a seven-year span, there remain questions about whether this protective effect endures beyond that timeframe. Nonetheless, experts suggest that the shingles vaccine presents one of the most promising avenues for dementia prevention based on current research.

The shingles illness is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also leads to chickenpox during childhood. Once contracted, the virus can lie dormant within the nervous system for years, only reactivating and causing shingles as individuals age and their immune systems weaken. This reactivation can lead to painful and chronic nerve-related symptoms, which can adversely affect quality of life.

These findings may pave the way for stronger public health initiatives to promote shingles vaccination as a proactive measure not only for preventing a painful disease but also for promoting long-term cognitive health.