Shingles vaccine linked to 24% lower dementia risk in major US study
Home Alone and Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry dies aged 80
TL;DR
- The Shingrix shingles vaccine is associated with a 24% reduction in dementia risk in older adults.
- A study examined over 500,000 individuals in U.S. skilled nursing facilities over four years.
- Vaccinated individuals had an 18.8% dementia rate compared to 24.6% in unvaccinated individuals.
- Researchers estimate one case of dementia could be averted for every 17 people vaccinated.
- The findings align with previous research on an older shingles vaccine.
- The study cannot definitively prove causation due to potential confounding factors like participants' overall health.
- Further clinical trials are required to confirm the direct link between the vaccine and dementia prevention.