Several previous studies have suggested that shingles vaccinations might reduce dementia risk, but most could not exclude the possibility that people who get vaccinated might have other dementia-protective characteristics, like healthier lifestyles, better diets or more years of education.

Receiving the live-attenuated zoster vaccine (Zostavax) reduced the probability of a new dementia diagnosis by 3.5 percentage points (95% CI 0.6-7.1, P =0.019) over a 7-year period, which corresponded to a 20% (95% CI 6.5-33.4) relative reduction, reported Pascal Geldsetzer, MD, PhD, of Stanford University in California, and co-authors.

TUESDAY, April 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- The shingles vaccine can do more than protect seniors from painful, blistering rashes. It also appears to protect older folks from dementia, researchers say.