HomeTechnologyCould a vaccine prevent dementia? Shingles shot data only getting stronger.

Could a vaccine prevent dementia? Shingles shot data only getting stronger.

TechnologyFebruary 25, 2026
1 min read
Could a vaccine prevent dementia? Shingles shot data only getting stronger.
Latest data hints that benefits seen so far could be underestimates.

While lifesaving vaccines face a relentless onslaught from the Trump administration—with fervent anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading the charge—scientific literature is building a wondrous story: A vaccine appears to prevent dementia, including Alzheimer's, and may even slow biological aging.

For years, study after study has noted that older adults vaccinated against shingles seemed to have a lower risk of dementia. A study last month suggested the same vaccine appears to slow biological aging, including lowering markers of inflammation.

"Our study adds to a growing body of work suggesting that vaccines may play a role in healthy aging strategies beyond solely preventing acute illness," study author Eileen Crimmins, of the University of Southern California, said.

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Source: Ars Technica

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