Study suggests link between shingles, cognitive decline risk

Is it just me, or are you inundated with pharmaceutical ads about shingles? The Shingrix vaccine ad blast is virtually in constant rotation on the streaming channels I watch. At this point, anyone 50 and older should have gotten the message about the threat of shingles as one grows older.

The commercial came on again as I was writing this blog post!

Now that I’ve turned 50, shingles is officially on my radar. I had chicken pox as a kid, so I’m at increased risk. The two-dose Shingrix vaccine is effective, but can trigger adverse reactions so those interested should consult their doctor.

A new study that suggests there could be a link between shingles and cognitive decline.

The latest study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from three large independent studies that have been collecting data since the mid-1970s and mid-1980s. Researchers determined from their analysis that an episode of shingles was associated with an approximately 20% higher long-term risk of cognitive decline. The risk was greatest for men who are APOE ε4 carriers, a significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

What could be the link between shingles and cognitive decline? The connection is not fully understood and will require further research, but inflammation may play a role. Vaccination may help reduce the risk of shingles-related cognitive decline, but more research is needed, according to the study.

Even without a potential link to dementia, shingles is a painful condition that can lead to significant, long-term symptoms. But for those of us already at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, understanding how other conditions may trigger cognitive decline is worth monitoring.

For caregiver tips, check out my Caregiver Product Recommendations page, with a list of products that I used while caring for my parents.

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