Several previous studies have suggested that shingles vaccinations might reduce dementia risk, but most could not exclude the possibility that people who get vaccinated might have other dementia-protective characteristics, like healthier lifestyles, better diets or more years of education.

The strongest set of evidence to date indicates that people who had a shingles vaccine had significantly lower odds of developing dementia later in life.

The findings suggest that the shingles virus might play a role in causing at least a subset of dementia cases, Geldsetzer says, and the vaccine may protect against that. Alternatively, it could be that certain vaccines, such as the one for shingles, lead to a broader immune system activation that lowers the risk of dementia developing.

TUESDAY, April 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- The shingles vaccine can do more than protect seniors from painful, blistering rashes. It also appears to protect older folks from dementia, researchers say.

A large natural experiment shows that the herpes zoster vaccine reduces dementia diagnoses by 20% over seven years. The findings suggest both viral suppression and immune training may play roles in brain health.

A groundbreaking new study suggests a potential cure for slowing cognitive decline has been right under our noses.

New research suggests that the shingles vaccine could lower your risk of developing dementia. Here's what the study says and what experts say about the findings.

Shingrix is a onetime vaccination, given in two doses a few months apart. The CDC recommends it starting at age 50 for most people but also for younger adults with certain immune-weakening conditions – including those who years ago got that first-generation shingles vaccine. Fewer than 40% of eligible Americans have gotten vaccinated.