Story perspectives

Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Seniors

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A recent study suggests vaccines, especially the shingles vaccine, may help prevent dementia.
Older adults vaccinated against shingles have a lower risk of dementia.
Eileen Crimmins of the University of Southern California says this adds to evidence that vaccines support healthy aging beyond preventing illness.
Another study suggests previous findings on dementia protection may underestimate the vaccine's potential.
The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by 51%.

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Story summary

A recent study suggests vaccines, especially the shingles vaccine, may help prevent dementia.
Older adults vaccinated against shingles have a lower risk of dementia.
Eileen Crimmins of the University of Southern California says this adds to evidence that vaccines support healthy aging beyond preventing illness.
Another study suggests previous findings on dementia protection may underestimate the vaccine's potential.
The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by 51%.