It increases the risk by 20%.
Recent research has revealed that older adults who suffer from shingles may face an increased risk of cognitive decline. The study found that experiencing shingles is linked to a 20% higher chance of experiencing subjective cognitive decline, which refers to self-reported problems with memory or cognitive function. This risk is particularly pronounced in men who have the APOE4 gene, a genetic marker associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Dr. Sharon Curhan, who led the study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlighted the importance of shingles vaccination as a preventive measure. She emphasized that vaccination not only helps reduce the burden of shingles but might also lessen the risk of cognitive decline. This message is underscored by the study’s findings, which advocate for increased public health efforts to promote shingles vaccination.
The research, funded by GlaxoSmithKline and published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, follows earlier studies showing that newer shingles vaccines like Shingrix offer better protection than older versions. Previous research indicated that those who received newer vaccines had 17% more time without a dementia diagnosis compared to those who received older vaccines.
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which can remain dormant after causing chickenpox. The study analyzed data from over 149,000 participants who reported on their shingles history and cognitive health through biennial questionnaires. The results revealed that having a history of shingles increased the risk of subjective cognitive decline, with men carrying the APOE4 gene facing the highest risk.
Dr. Curhan’s team is continuing to explore how shingles might affect cognitive health and whether addressing modifiable risk factors could help. They are also investigating whether shingles vaccination could reduce the risk of related health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
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