New Study Suggests Shingles Vaccine May Hold Key to Slowing Dementia Progression
A groundbreaking study published this week has found that getting vaccinated against shingles may not only delay the onset of dementia, but also potentially slow its progression. The research, which involved over 7 million people worldwide, adds to a growing body of evidence that vaccines can have a significant impact on our health as we age.
The study's findings are particularly exciting because they suggest that the shingles vaccine has therapeutic potential for those already living with dementia. According to Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, the study's senior author, "the most exciting part is that this really suggests the shingles vaccine doesn't have only preventive, delaying benefits for dementia, but also therapeutic potential for those who already have dementia."
Currently, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. With numbers projected to rise dramatically over the coming decades – with new cases expected to double from 500,000 in 2020 to over 1 million by 2060 in the US alone – any potential breakthroughs in prevention or treatment are a welcome development.
Shingles, which typically occurs years after a chickenpox infection, is characterized by a painful rash and can lead to persistent nerve pain. However, getting vaccinated against shingles has been shown to lower the risk of getting the disease itself, as well as its debilitating complications.
The new study found that people who received the shingles vaccine were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment – a precursor to dementia – nine years later than those who did not receive the vaccine. Furthermore, among individuals already living with dementia, those who had been vaccinated against shingles were also more likely to survive for longer periods without succumbing to their condition.
The study's findings are based on data from a public health program in Wales that offered the shingles vaccine to people aged 79 or older when it began. Researchers were able to isolate the effect of vaccination by comparing those who turned 80 just before and after the program started – essentially creating a randomized trial with a control group.
The study's senior author noted that this unique design made the research "essentially like a randomized trial with a control group – those a little bit too old to be eligible for the vaccine, and an intervention group – those just young enough to be eligible." These findings are set to have significant implications for public health policy and could potentially lead to increased vaccination rates in older adults.
A groundbreaking study published this week has found that getting vaccinated against shingles may not only delay the onset of dementia, but also potentially slow its progression. The research, which involved over 7 million people worldwide, adds to a growing body of evidence that vaccines can have a significant impact on our health as we age.
The study's findings are particularly exciting because they suggest that the shingles vaccine has therapeutic potential for those already living with dementia. According to Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, the study's senior author, "the most exciting part is that this really suggests the shingles vaccine doesn't have only preventive, delaying benefits for dementia, but also therapeutic potential for those who already have dementia."
Currently, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. With numbers projected to rise dramatically over the coming decades – with new cases expected to double from 500,000 in 2020 to over 1 million by 2060 in the US alone – any potential breakthroughs in prevention or treatment are a welcome development.
Shingles, which typically occurs years after a chickenpox infection, is characterized by a painful rash and can lead to persistent nerve pain. However, getting vaccinated against shingles has been shown to lower the risk of getting the disease itself, as well as its debilitating complications.
The new study found that people who received the shingles vaccine were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment – a precursor to dementia – nine years later than those who did not receive the vaccine. Furthermore, among individuals already living with dementia, those who had been vaccinated against shingles were also more likely to survive for longer periods without succumbing to their condition.
The study's findings are based on data from a public health program in Wales that offered the shingles vaccine to people aged 79 or older when it began. Researchers were able to isolate the effect of vaccination by comparing those who turned 80 just before and after the program started – essentially creating a randomized trial with a control group.
The study's senior author noted that this unique design made the research "essentially like a randomized trial with a control group – those a little bit too old to be eligible for the vaccine, and an intervention group – those just young enough to be eligible." These findings are set to have significant implications for public health policy and could potentially lead to increased vaccination rates in older adults.
! I mean, who wouldn't want a vaccine that can delay or even slow down dementia progression? The fact that shingles vaccine has therapeutic potential is mind-blowing 
. It's like, we've been so focused on finding cures for Alzheimer's and other dementias, but what if we're looking at this all wrong? What if something as simple as a shingles vaccine could be the key to unlocking new treatments? 
I'm already imagining the possibilities... more research, of course! 
But seriously, this is huge news. I hope it gets everyone's attention and leads to increased vaccination rates among older adults 
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. I mean, we're already dealing with some crazy numbers when it comes to dementia, right? And the fact that getting vaccinated against shingles might slow down its progression is just mind-blowing. I've got a friend who's been living with dementia for years, and any potential breakthrough like this could totally change her life 
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! I was reading about how Alzheimer's and dementia are becoming such a big deal, especially with the numbers projected to double in just 40 years 
. It's crazy thinking that this one vaccine could be like, a game changer for people already dealing with it.
, getting vaccinated against shingles might actually slow down dementia progression which is like a huge deal 
... i'm all for vaccination rates increasing especially among older adults 
... shingles vaccine might have therapeutic potential which is a game changer 
... numbers are gonna rise dramatically due to dementia so any progress in prevention or treatment is super welcome 
. I mean, think about it, if we just vaccinate everyone against shingles, we'll be creating a whole new problem on our hands. What's next, vaccines for every other disease known to man? It's all just a bunch of unnecessary medicine in my opinion 
. And what's with the idea that vaccines can slow down dementia progression? That sounds like science fiction to me 
. And don't even get me started on the fact that this study only involved people aged 79 or older - what about everyone else who's trying to live a healthy life without getting poked and prodded with needles? 
. The stats are pretty impressive too - over 7 million people and a significant decrease in mild cognitive impairment cases? That's some serious momentum 
. Of course, you gotta be realistic about the potential risks and side effects of any vaccine, but I think it's safe to say this one's worth looking into further 
not only delaying the onset but also slowing down progression... can you imagine having a vaccine that could literally change the game for dementia sufferers? 
and even more amazing, those already living with dementia were more likely to survive longer without major issues 
! 7 million peeps worldwide r part of this study & it's like WOW , we might actually hv a new way 2 tackle dementia 
. Now this is what I call science rulz