Shingles & RSV Vaccines: Dementia Risk Reduction?

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AS01 Vaccines Linked to Lower Dementia Risk: Breakthrough findings Emerge

New York, NY – July 6, 2025 – In a potentially groundbreaking development, new research published in Nature reveals that certain vaccines may offer protection against dementia. Specifically, the study links AS01-adjuvanted vaccines-Arexvy (respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine) and Shingrix (recombinant shingles vaccine)-to a lower risk of developing dementia.

The findings suggest that both the AS01-adjuvanted shingles and Rsv vaccines are associated with a reduced 18-month risk of dementia, whether administered individually or in combination.

The Link Between AS01 Vaccines and Dementia Risk

Researchers have been exploring why shingrix appears more effective than Zostavax (an older, discontinued shingles vaccine) in reducing dementia incidence. Paul Harrison, BMBCh, DM, of the University of Oxford, suggested that the AS01 adjuvant, present in Shingrix but not Zostavax, might be the key.

Harrison noted, “We therefore looked at the risk of dementia following the Arexvy RSV vaccine, which contains the same adjuvant, and found that it had the same effect on dementia risk as Shingrix. While this finding does not prove that the adjuvant is critically important, it supports the possibility.”

previous Evidence and Current Research

Prior studies hinted at a connection between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of dementia,with some showing a stronger effect in women. The current research delves deeper, assessing whether the AS01 adjuvant itself contributes to this reduced risk by examining Arexvy’s impact on dementia compared to Shingrix and the flu vaccine.

The study meticulously matched three groups of individuals: those receiving the AS01 RSV vaccine, those receiving the AS01 shingles vaccine, and those receiving both, comparing them to a control group who only received the flu vaccine. This careful matching ensured the groups were comparable, minimizing differences in their characteristics.

Key Study Results: Dementia-Free Time Increased

The research team compared the flu vaccine recipients with those who received AS01 vaccines. The results indicated a lower risk of dementia diagnosis among those who received the RSV or shingles vaccine.The restricted mean time lost (RMTL) ratio was 0.71 (95% CI 0.61-0.83) over 18 months.

Specifically, the Rsv vaccine correlated with a 29% increase in dementia-free time, the shingles vaccine with an 18% increase, and receiving both vaccines led to an even more significant 37% increase. This translated to 87, 53, and 113 additional days, respectively, without a dementia diagnosis for those diagnosed within 18 months of vaccination.

Did You Know? Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates that more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia as of 2020, and this number is projected to nearly double every 20 years, reaching 139 million by 2050.

Important Considerations and Future directions

While these findings are promising, the study authors noted that there was no significant difference in dementia risk between receiving one or both AS01-containing vaccines.The positive effects were consistent across both sexes, suggesting that gender does not influence the protective benefit.

These findings reinforce existing evidence, indicating that AS01 shingles and Rsv vaccines may offer protection against dementia.Researchers believe this protection may arise from the AS01 adjuvant’s unique immunological actions, rather than solely from preventing the targeted infection. Further studies are essential to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Is this the dawn of a new era in dementia prevention? How might these findings influence future vaccine development and public health strategies?

Comparing AS01 Vaccines

Vaccine	Target Disease	Adjuvant	Potential Benefit
Arexvy	Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)	AS01	29% increase in dementia-free time
Shingrix	Shingles	AS01	18% increase in dementia-free time
Both Arexvy & Shingrix	RSV & Shingles	AS01	37% increase in dementia-free time

The Broader Impact of Vaccine Research on Dementia

The Connection between vaccines and dementia is an area of growing interest. recent research underscores the potential for vaccines to play a role not only in preventing infectious diseases but also in influencing the trajectory of age-related cognitive decline.

The exploration of adjuvants, like AS01, represents a cutting-edge approach in vaccine development, potentially unlocking new avenues for preventative healthcare beyond infectious disease control. The Long-term implications of these findings could revolutionize how we approach dementia prevention, integrating vaccination strategies into thorough brain health programs.

Pro Tip: Consult with healthcare professionals to discuss personalized vaccination strategies and their potential benefits regarding cognitive health. Regular health

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The Emerging Link Between Viral Infections and Cognitive Decline

For years, researchers have suspected a connection between viral infections and an increased risk of developing dementia. Recent studies are strengthening this link,particularly focusing on the herpes zoster virus (shingles) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Understanding this connection is crucial for proactive health management, especially as we age. This article explores the latest findings regarding shingles and dementia,RSV and dementia,and the potential benefits of vaccination.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) and Dementia Risk

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), isn’t just a painful rash. Research suggests it may increase the risk of dementia. The exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, but several theories exist:

• Inflammation: Shingles causes significant inflammation, which can damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline.
• Viral Persistence: The virus may persist in the nervous system even after the rash clears, possibly causing ongoing neurological damage.
• Immune System Dysregulation: Shingles can disrupt the immune system, making the brain more vulnerable to other insults.

A study published by the CDC highlights the clinical overview of shingles and its potential neurological complications. (CDC – Shingles Clinical Overview). Vaccination against shingles,particularly with the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV,Shingrix),is now strongly recommended for adults 50 and older.This vaccine offers over 90% efficacy in preventing shingles and may also reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the long-term nerve pain associated with shingles.

Shingles Vaccine & Cognitive Protection

Emerging evidence suggests that the shingles vaccine may offer a protective effect against dementia. Studies have shown a reduced incidence of dementia in individuals who have received the RZV vaccine compared to those who haven’t. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the current data is promising.

RSV and the Growing Concern for Dementia

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Though, in older adults, RSV can lead to severe illness, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Recent research indicates a potential link between RSV infection and an increased risk of dementia.

Similar to shingles, the proposed mechanisms involve:

• Neuroinflammation: RSV can trigger inflammation in the brain.
• Vascular Damage: Severe RSV infection can damage blood vessels, potentially leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Immune Response: The body’s immune response to RSV may contribute to neuroinflammation.

New RSV Vaccines & Dementia Prevention

For the first time, effective RSV vaccines are now available