Vaccine Fights Dementia

A recent body of research suggests that an effective vaccine against dementia may already be within reach, thanks to findings around the shingles vaccine. Scientists studying health records of more than 280,000 older adults in Wales found that those who received a shingles shot were about 20 percent less likely to develop dementia over several years than similar people who did not get vaccinated, offering strong evidence that vaccination could play a role in preventing the disease. Even more encouragingly, follow-up research indicates the vaccine might also help people already diagnosed with dementia by slowing progression and reducing dementia-related mortality, pointing to both preventive and therapeutic potential. If confirmed by further studies, this work could mark a major advance in the fight against a condition that affects millions worldwide and bring new hope for protecting brain health as people age.

Image via Science Focus

Read other stories from the 1/5/26 newsletter:

Saving Australia’s Beloved Species

Dogs in Court

Spit-Up Stand-Up Comedy Shows