GSK to launch large trial testing shingles vaccine’s potential to reduce Alzheimer’s risk

GSK announced it will conduct a large-scale clinical study to evaluate whether the shingles vaccine can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The move follows observations from analyses of national health records that showed vaccinated individuals appeared less likely to be diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition.

The planned trial will enroll a substantial number of participants and will be designed to rigorously test the vaccine’s effect on cognitive decline over time. Researchers aim to collect detailed data on dementia onset, progression, and related health outcomes.

If the study confirms a protective benefit, the findings could open new preventive strategies for Alzheimer’s and expand the therapeutic relevance of the shingles vaccine beyond its current use.