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

STAT PlusHealth Shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk, new study finds Getting vaccinated against shingles could prevent one in 17 cases of dementia, researchers report Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Allyson Chiu — Boston GlobeJune 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.Advertisement 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 Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In public health, STAT+, Vaccines Submit a correction requestReprints Allyson Chiu — Boston Globe Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot June 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA review of Moderna’s flu shot, J&J’s focus on cancer, and more Health June 18, 2026 How many Americans can afford high-quality health care? A new poll finds the number has fallen Advertisement Morning Rounds June 18, 2026 Six of the biggest health news stories today Adam's Biotech Scorecard June 18, 2026 STAT Plus: In pancreatic cancer, Patrick Soon-Shiong makes promises he has not kept Health June 18, 2026 Super-potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes are spreading across the U.S. Subscriber Picks