Question 362 of 433
Is it true that the shingles vaccine may protect against dementia?
The short answer
The evidence is surprisingly good. In a natural experiment in Wales, people who became eligible for the shingles vaccine were about 20 percent less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years.
Because eligibility was set by an arbitrary birth date, the two groups were otherwise nearly identical, which makes this stronger than a typical observational study. Similar findings have appeared in other countries. We do not know the mechanism. Since the vaccine is already recommended to prevent a painful disease, this is a bonus with no added cost.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL / OBSERVATIONAL — Eligible older adults: shingles vaccination and dementia associations; not an approved dementia indication.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 24, Q362 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.