Shingles Vaccine Linked To Reduced Dementia Risk
Recent studies have brought into light the potential benefits of the shingles vaccine beyond preventing the painful viral infection. Research from South Korea indicates that vaccinated individuals may experience a 23% lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, a unique study from Wales suggests that the shingles vaccine could lower the risk of dementia, a serious neurodegenerative condition.
About Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells. It can reactivate later, especially when the immune system is compromised. Shingles typically manifests as a painful rash, often appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the torso. Complications can include vision loss and facial paralysis.
The Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine is primarily recommended for individuals over 50 years old. It helps prevent the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. There are two main vaccines – Zostavax, which uses a live, weakened virus, and Shingrix, which employs recombinant technology. The vaccines cost between Rs 6,000 to Rs 17,000 per dose in India.
The Welsh Study
The Welsh study created a natural experiment by rolling out the shingles vaccine to specific age groups. Individuals aged 79 to 80 were eligible for vaccination starting in September 2013. This design allowed researchers to compare health outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals of similar age. The study found a 20% lower relative risk of dementia among those who received the vaccine over a seven-year period.
Implications of the Findings
The findings suggest a possible protective effect of the shingles vaccine against dementia. One theory posits that preventing the reactivation of the shingles-causing virus may mitigate long-term cognitive effects. Additionally, changes in the immune response due to the vaccine might also provide protective benefits against dementia.
Other Vaccines and Dementia Risk
Emerging evidence suggests that other vaccines may also lower the risk of dementia. A large study involving 130 million people indicated correlations between common vaccines, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and diphtheria, and reduced dementia risk. Another study brought into light the diphtheria and pneumococcal vaccines, showing associations with lower dementia rates.
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