A new study suggests that the shingles vaccine could do more than prevent painful rashes—it may also protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia.
Published in Nature, the research analysed the health records of more than 280,000 adults in Wales aged 71 to 88, who were part of a shingles vaccination programme launched in 2013.
Researchers found that older adults who received the vaccine were 20 per cent less likely to develop dementia over the following seven years compared to those who were unvaccinated.
The study also examined 7,049 adults already diagnosed with dementia. Researchers observed that nearly half of these individuals died within nine years, but only 30 per cent of those who had received the shingles vaccine died in the same period.
This suggests that the vaccine may have both preventive and therapeutic effects on dementia, potentially slowing disease progression.
To ensure accurate results, the study compared individuals born just a week apart, creating groups with similar characteristics except for their vaccination status. This approach helped isolate the effect of the shingles vaccine on dementia risk.
Understanding Shingles and Dementia
Shingles, caused by the Varicella zoster virus—the same virus behind chickenpox—can remain dormant in nerve cells and reactivate later in life.
It typically causes a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body or face, accompanied by burning or tingling, headaches, fever, and fatigue.
In some cases, complications like postherpetic neuralgia can lead to persistent nerve pain.
The shingles vaccine boosts the immune system, helping prevent the virus from reactivating.
It is especially recommended for older adults, who are at greater risk of developing shingles and its complications.
Dementia, by contrast, is a progressive condition affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is not a normal part of aging and results from brain cell damage.
Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, poor judgment, mood changes, and problems with daily functioning.
While there is no cure, medications and lifestyle interventions can help slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
A Growing Global and Local Challenge
Dementia affects roughly 57 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year.
As populations age, this number is expected to rise sharply, with projections suggesting that 153 million people could be living with dementia by 2050.
In Kenya, the burden is also increasing. Estimates indicate that around 87,000 people were living with dementia in 2019, with projections suggesting the number could exceed 360,000 by 2050.
Studies show that dementia may affect up to 9 per cent of older adults in Kenya, highlighting an urgent need for preventive strategies and care support.
The new findings underscore the potential of vaccines not only to prevent infectious diseases like shingles but also to contribute to long-term brain health.
Researchers hope these insights could inform public health strategies to reduce the global impact of dementia.