Getting vaccinated against shingles may offer more than just relief from a painful rash; it could also play a crucial role in preventing dementia, according to a substantial new study. Published in the journal Nature, the research shows that individuals who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year period compared to those who were unvaccinated.
Dr. Paul Harrison, a psychiatric professor at Oxford, emphasized the importance of these findings in public health, noting that a 20% reduction in dementia risk is significant, especially given the limited options currently available for preventing the onset of dementia. Although the study's timeframe only spans seven years, Dr. Harrison expressed optimism about the vaccine's potential for long-term protective effects against cognitive decline.
Shingles arises from the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in nerve cells following childhood chickenpox. As people age, their immune defenses wane, allowing the virus to reactivate and cause shingles, characterized by painful symptoms such as burning and tingling sensations, as well as debilitating nerve pain. The implications of these findings could be transformative, providing a preventive tool against dementia that is "potentially usable in practice," noted Dr. Harrison.
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Dr. Paul Harrison, a psychiatric professor at Oxford, emphasized the importance of these findings in public health, noting that a 20% reduction in dementia risk is significant, especially given the limited options currently available for preventing the onset of dementia. Although the study's timeframe only spans seven years, Dr. Harrison expressed optimism about the vaccine's potential for long-term protective effects against cognitive decline.
Shingles arises from the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in nerve cells following childhood chickenpox. As people age, their immune defenses wane, allowing the virus to reactivate and cause shingles, characterized by painful symptoms such as burning and tingling sensations, as well as debilitating nerve pain. The implications of these findings could be transformative, providing a preventive tool against dementia that is "potentially usable in practice," noted Dr. Harrison.
For further insights and to stay updated on developments in brain health, follow FlashPoint for instant alerts on the latest news.
