Research published in the renowned journal Nature suggests that a shingles vaccine may reduce or delay the risk of dementia. Further research is needed to confirm this, but the findings are promising.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox among many children. The virus then remains dormant in the body. Later in life, shingles can develop if the virus flares up again. Because the shingle virus can also survive for long periods in the human brain, the virus’s role in the development of dementia has long been a subject of scientific study.
Interesting study in Wales
The study focused on a unique situation in Wales. In September 2013, everyone aged 80 or under was reimbursed for a shingles vaccine. People over the age of 80 were not reimbursed for the vaccine. This created two groups of people aged around 80 who differed in age by only a few weeks. Researchers monitored these groups over the following years to see whether they developed dementia.
Not a miracle cure, but promising
The study showed that 20% of the people who did not receive the vaccine developed dementia. This figure dropped to 16% for those who had been vaccinated. Dementia is relatively common, so a reduction of 4% represents a significant step forward. The vaccine’s effect is certainly promising, but it is no guarantee for preventing dementia.
Differences between men and women
The study also revealed a striking difference between men and women. The vaccine appeared to have little effect on men, while in women the risk of dementia fell by more than 20%. It is noteworthy that the risk of dementia became virtually the same for men and women following vaccination. This may mean that women respond differently to the vaccine or that dementia develops differently in them. The study did not shed any light on this.
What does this mean for the Netherlands?
Although the results are promising, physicians emphasize that further research is needed before the vaccination policy can be revised. The shingles vaccine is currently not included in the National Immunization Program in the Netherlands. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated must pay for it themselves.
You can get the shingles vaccine at Erasmus MC Travel Clinic. The vaccination consists of a series of two injections, with the second dose being given two to six months after the first dose.
Make an appointment at our clinic in Rotterdam or in Rijswijk.