Could a routine shingles shot also help protect the brain? A new study of more than half a million older adults links the Shingrix vaccine to a 24% lower risk of dementia.
What the study found
Researchers analyzed Medicare data from more than 509,000 adults age 66 and older admitted to skilled nursing facilities between 2017 and 2022. Over four years of follow-up, dementia developed in 18.8% of those who received the Shingrix shot, compared with 24.6% of those who did not.
That difference translates to roughly one dementia case prevented per 17 people, the Brown University-led team estimated. The findings appear in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
One shot, several benefits
Shingrix is the newer recombinant shingles vaccine introduced in 2017 and is currently the only shingles vaccine on the market. It is given in two doses, two to six months apart, and reduces shingles risk by over 90%. The new dementia finding adds to earlier studies of the older Zostavax vaccine that also suggested a protective effect.
| Metric | Vaccinated | Unvaccinated |
|---|---|---|
| Dementia after 4 years | 18.8% | 24.6% |
| Relative risk reduction | 24% | |
| Cases prevented | ~1 in 17 people | |
What this means in the Philippines
The shingles vaccine is available in the Philippines through clinics and pharmacies such as Watsons, Pulse Clinic, and Hi-Precision, at a cost of a few thousand pesos per dose. It is recommended for adults 50 and older. This ties into broader efforts to support Filipino senior citizens, and a growing awareness of shingles as a hidden risk for millions of Pinoys.
The caveat
The study’s authors caution that the research cannot prove cause and effect; vaccinated adults tended to be slightly younger and healthier. Clinical trials will be needed to confirm whether Shingrix directly reduces dementia risk.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment or vaccination plan.
