Brown Study Links Shingrix to 24% Lower Dementia Risk in 509,926 Older U.S. Adults
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 28
Brown Study Links Shingrix to 24% Lower Dementia Risk in 509,926 Older U.S. Adults
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 28
Summary
A Brown University study of 509,926 U.S. adults aged 66 and older found at least one Shingrix dose was associated with a 24% lower dementia diagnosis risk over four years.
The analysis used electronic health records and Medicare claims from skilled nursing facility patients, adding to several earlier studies that reported similar links between shingles vaccination and slower cognitive decline.
Researchers and outside neurologists stressed the findings show correlation, not proof that Shingrix prevents or treats dementia, and the vaccine remains FDA-approved to prevent shingles and related complications.
Possible explanations include avoiding shingles-related complications and vascular events such as stroke, while a separate recent study also suggested lower cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease rates after vaccination.
CDC guidance still recommends the two-dose Shingrix series for adults 50 and older, and for immunocompromised adults 19 and older, with experts urging early medical evaluation for memory concerns.