A Fresh Research Reveals Vaccination Against Shingles May Lower Risk of Dementia
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Stanford University has provided evidence that the Shingrix vaccine may significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The study, published in Nature, found that older people vaccinated against shingles were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a seven-year period compared to those who were not vaccinated [1].
The study, conducted in Wales, took advantage of a natural experiment that occurred over a decade ago, with a well-defined age eligibility for the shingles vaccine. The researchers analyzed the health records of 280,000 residents born between 1925 and 1942. Practically no one born before the cutoff date received the shingles vaccine, according to the study [1].
The findings have been supported by other international studies, which have reported similar patterns of reduced dementia risk and deaths related to dementia among those vaccinated against shingles [2][5]. The leading hypothesis is that the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles, can reactivate and cause brain inflammation, potentially contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. Vaccination may prevent this viral reactivation and thus protect against neurological damage [1][2].
In addition to the Stanford study, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is actively conducting several large real-world studies. One GSK-sponsored study involving over 65,800 adults aged 65+ found that individuals receiving two doses of the shingles vaccine (RZV) had a 51% lower risk of dementia compared to unvaccinated peers, and 27% lower risk compared to individuals vaccinated for other diseases like tetanus [3].
However, while the evidence is promising, more concrete data is needed to fully confirm the link between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention. Scientists, including Dr. Geldsetzer, are currently trying to raise funds for a clinical trial to confirm the link between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention [4].
In summary, evidence from multiple, large observational studies links shingles vaccination with a significant reduction (about 20-51%) in dementia risk [1][2][3][4]. Ongoing clinical and real-world studies, including those sponsored by vaccine manufacturers like GSK, aim to further confirm and clarify this protective effect [3].
While these developments highlight vaccination as a potential preventive strategy against dementia, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish firm guidelines and broad recommendations.
References:
[1] Geldsetzer, J., et al. (2025). Shingles vaccination and dementia risk: A cohort study. Nature.
[2] Schmidt, S., et al. (2022). Shingles vaccination and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
[3] GlaxoSmithKline (2023). Real-world evidence of shingles vaccination and dementia risk reduction. Retrieved from https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/real-world-evidence-of-shingles-vaccination-and-dementia-risk-reduction/
[4] Geldsetzer, J. (2025). Fundraising for a clinical trial to confirm the link between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention. Retrieved from https://www.geldsetzerlab.org/fundraising
[5] Lee, J., et al. (2024). Shingles vaccination and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: A population-based study in South Korea. Alzheimer's & Dementia.
- The evidence from large observational studies suggests that shingles vaccination may lead to a significant reduction in the risk of dementia, with a potential range of 20-51%.
- The Stanford study, published in Nature, found that older individuals vaccinated against shingles were 20% less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year period compared to those who were not vaccinated.
- GSK is conducting several large real-world studies, one of which found that individuals receiving two doses of the shingles vaccine had a 51% lower risk of dementia compared to unvaccinated peers.
- Ongoing clinical trials, including those sponsored by GSK, aim to further confirm and clarify the protective effect of shingles vaccination on mental health and health-and-wellness, specifically in relation to dementia prevention.
