NHS shingles vaccine could halt dementia – how does it work?

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If validated in clinical trials, these findings could have significant implications for older adults, health services and public health.” Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus Dr Taquet said the team’s interpretation of the data is that the jab works to delay dementia rather than prevent it altogether, although more work is needed. “Individuals at higher risk of developing shingles include older adults, particularly those over 50, due to the natural decline in immune function known as immunosenescence, which facilitates the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus,” explains Goncalves. Physical or emotional stress and trauma to the area of the affected nerve can also precipitate an outbreak.” Old people are more likely to get shingles Nicholson adds: “Other trigger factors for developing shingles are the same as all the usual ill-health causes, such as being ultra-tired, ultra-stressed and in bad health for one reason or another.” Can there be complications? “Shingrix prevents shingles by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight the varicella zoster virus,” explains Goncalves.