Clinical studies of hundreds of thousands of people suggest that the newest Shingrix vaccine, which helps prevent people from getting a painful case of shingles, may also offer protection from dementia. Researchers came to this conclusion when monitoring the onset of dementia in individuals who received the Shingrix vaccine and those who did not receive the vaccine.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), About 98% of US adults who have had chickenpox are at risk for shingles. Both are caused by the varicella-zoster virus in the herpes family. Researchers believe some types of herpes viruses hiding in the brain become activated when the body’s immune system drops its guard, and possibly leads to dementia. The researchers found that 23% of people who received the Shingrix vaccine had a 17% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia six years after the vaccine.

The CDC notes that the earlier version of the shingles vaccine called Zostavax was far less effective than the newer Shingrix vaccine, which is 97% effective among adults ages 50 and older. Additionally, Shingrix provides 90% protection against both shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a common complication from shingles. They found that immunity remains strong for at least the first seven years after vaccination. Even in adults with weakened immune systems, the study showed that Shingrix is 68-91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.

While further research is necessary, individuals ages 50 and older who have never received the newer Shingrix vaccine should consider getting it. Not only is it more effective in preventing the severe pain associated with shingles, but it may also protect your memory.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html to learn more about the Shingrix vaccine.