ON
🔍
← Back to feed
United StatesMedicine3 days ago

STAT+: Shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk, new study finds

A new study suggests that vaccination against shingles may reduce the risk of dementia among elderly individuals. Researchers found that nursing home residents who received at least one dose of the Shingrix vaccine were 24% less likely to develop dementia over four years compared to unvaccinated residents. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Getting vaccinated against shingles could prevent one in 17 cases of dementia, researchers report

Rebecca Blackwell/AP

By Allyson Chiu — Boston Globe

June 18, 2026

If you’re an older adult, getting vaccinated against shingles could lower your risk of developing dementia.

A new study found that elderly nursing home residents who received at least one dose of the shingles vaccine known as Shingrix, the only shot of its kind available in the United States, were 24 percent less likely to develop dementia over a four-year period compared to those who were not vaccinated, according to results published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

The research adds to the growing body of evidence showing a connection between the viral infection and cognitive decline.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Allyson Chiu — Boston Globe

Read the full article at STAT News →
Source document: Annals of Internal Medicine

1 reports

STAT NewsIndependentCenter3 days ago
STAT+: Shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk, new study finds

A new study suggests that vaccination against shingles may reduce the risk of dementia among elderly individuals. Researchers found that nursing home residents who received at least one dose of the Shingrix vaccine were 24% less likely to develop dementia over four years compared to unvaccinated residents. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a medical study with statistical findings without overt ideological framing. It reports on a peer-reviewed study and does not take a stance on policy, politics, or controversial issues. The focus is purely on health outcomes and scientific research.

Official sources cited

  • press release Annals of Internal Medicine

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

  • press_releaseAnnals of Internal Medicine