Yasmina Kattou // Photo credits: AFP 1:04 p.m., August 14, 2024
The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study by English researchers published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.
Shingles is a virus that reactivates in people who have had chickenpox. It causes severe pain and scabs on the skin. Several studies have shown a link between a shingles infection – therefore a reactivation of the chickenpox virus – and the onset of a type of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. The reason for this correlation is that a virus like shingles affects neurons. Avoiding shingles, through vaccination, would therefore protect neurons.
“Other work will follow”
“It could also be the suppression of this virus thanks to the vaccine that reduces the risk. And finally, perhaps, since it is a new vaccine, certain products contained in the vaccine itself would have a beneficial effect. For the moment, we do not know how to distinguish between the two. But other work will follow,” explained Philippe Amouyel, director of the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
The new vaccine that Professor Amouyel is talking about is Shingrix. Sold in France since last year, it is recommended by the High Authority of Health for immunocompromised people and those over 65. The serum prevents reactivation of shingles in 80% of cases.
