Shingles Vaccination (Shingrix) & Dementia: What We Know
Shingrix is one of the leading shingles (herpes zoster) vaccines in Australia and is recommended for older adults to prevent shingles and its complications. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicellazoster virus, which remains dormant in the body after childhood chickenpox. While shingles is best known for causing a painful rash, growing research suggests it may also have broader impacts on longterm brain health.
Recent international studies have observed an association between shingles infection and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Chronic inflammation and viral effects on the nervous system are thought to play a role. Interestingly, emerging evidence indicates that people who receive a shingles vaccine, particularly Shingrix, may have a lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who are unvaccinated. While this research does not yet prove direct cause and effect, the findings are encouraging.
Shingrix works by boosting the immune system’s ability to keep the virus suppressed, reducing the chance of shingles occurring in the first place. By preventing shingles and the inflammation it can cause, vaccination may indirectly support long-term brain health.
Importantly, Shingrix is already recommended because it is highly effective at preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Any potential added benefit for dementia prevention is an added reason to discuss vaccination with your GP.
If you are aged 65 years and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders then speak with your GP about your eligibility for a free vaccine.