Discover How Shingles Vaccination Can Boost Your Brain and Heart Health: New Studies Reveal Surprising Benefits
Recent studies highlight the surprising benefits of the shingles vaccine, suggesting it may offer protection beyond just preventing shingles itself. Notably, **research indicates that this vaccine could significantly lower the risk of dementia and cardiovascular issues**, explaining why discussing the shingles vaccine is more important than ever.
A pair of recent studies have uncovered how the shingles vaccine may help mitigate risks associated with two significant health concerns: **dementia and heart disease**. These studies bring to light evidence suggesting that the vaccine reduces inflammation, a common culprit in cognitive decline and cardiovascular problems.
One study, published in JAMA on April 23, found that older Australians who received a free live-attenuated shingles vaccine, known as **Zostavax**, had a 1.8% lower chance of being diagnosed with dementia. Meanwhile, a separate research publication in the European Heart Journal found that South Korean adults vaccinated with Zostavax had a remarkable 23% overall reduction in major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and heart failure.
The potential explanation behind these findings is linked to the shingles vaccine’s ability to combat inflammation associated with infections. As Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, MD, PhD, MPH, explained: “**Vaccines can have effects on the immune system that are broader than just eliciting the specific antibody response for which they have been designed.**”
What Is Shingles?
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body. This condition typically presents as a painful or itchy rash along one side of the body. Despite the significant drop in chickenpox cases in the U.S.—down by 97% since the varicella vaccine’s introduction in 1995—VZV remains dormant in our nerves for life, especially in those who have previously contracted chickenpox.
Dr. Richard Martinello from the Yale School of Medicine describes these dormant viruses as a potential risk factor for various health issues later in life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preventing shingles.
Who Is at Risk for Shingles and How Can It Be Prevented?
The exact reasons behind the reactivation of VZV remain unclear, although stress is often cited as a trigger. Shingles is more common among:
- Older adults: Particularly individuals over 50 years of age.
- Immunocompromised individuals: Those with weakened immune systems are at a heightened risk.
Because of this increased risk, the shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 and older, alongside younger immunocompromised adults. Importantly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocate for the **Shingrix vaccine**, which supersedes Zostavax. The latter was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020 due to its waning efficacy over time.
Dementia Risk and the Shingles Vaccine
The April study in JAMA incorporated electronic health records from over 101,000 Australians, with participants averaging 63 years of age. Following the introduction of the free Zostavax shot in November 2016, researchers tracked the incidence of dementia among eligible versus non-eligible individuals. The findings revealed a significantly lower incidence of dementia in those who received the vaccine.
Dr. Geldsetzer noted: “**For the first time, we now have evidence that likely shows a cause-and-effect relationship between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention.**” He emphasized that these protective effects are notably larger than the benefits provided by existing medication options for dementia.
How Might the Shingles Vaccine Protect Heart Health?
Following the dementia findings, researchers in South Korea discovered that the shingles vaccine is linked with heart health benefits. They analyzed national health data concerning approximately 2.2 million adults, with over one million having received a live shingles vaccine like Zostavax.
Comparing health outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals over six years revealed:
- A **26% lower risk** of major cardiovascular events (including stroke, heart attack, or heart-related deaths).
- A **26% reduced risk** of heart failure.
- A **22% lower risk** of coronary heart disease.
These benefits were particularly pronounced in younger men, individuals with unhealthy lifestyle habits, and those from low-income or rural backgrounds. The data indicated that the protective effects were strongest between two to three years post-vaccination, lasting up to eight years.
While the study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers suggested that preventing shingles could reduce inflammation and clotting in blood vessels, in turn lowering cardiovascular risks.
What You Need to Know About the Shingles Vaccine
The insights derived from these investigations underscore that the shingles vaccine offers benefits beyond merely preventing shingles. It’s essential to note that the vaccines recommended for older Americans currently differ from those featured in these studies.
Unlike Zostavax, **Shingrix** is a recombinant vaccine made from proteins isolated from the varicella-zoster virus, without containing any live virus. Dr. Martinello mentioned that while Shingrix wasn’t studied in these specific studies, it’s plausible it could offer comparable or even superior protection against heart conditions and dementia.
Research shows that Shingrix is:
- 97% effective for those aged 50 to 69.
- 91% effective for individuals aged 70 and older.
However, data from 2019 suggested that only 26% of adults over 50 had received any form of shingles vaccination, indicating a significant gap in utilization. As awareness spreads about the broader benefits of getting vaccinated, more individuals could safeguard not just against shingles, but also against potential neurological and cardiovascular issues.
