Eric Topol: *multiple* studies show a relationship between shingles vaccine and reduced dementia

[scipan]

Multiple recent studies, including 3 impressive natural experiments, consistently show a link between Shingles vaccines and reduced dementia. This week a nationwide S Korea study added a reduction of cardiovascular events
My summary Table. More here on dementia
https://erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingles-vaccine-and-reduction

https://bsky.app/profile/erictopol.bsky.social/post/3lowfirrj2s2u

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. Interesting.

I wonder if the fundamental effect is knocking the virus out. Because I got a case of shingles but recognized it immediately when there were about 5 "blisters" on my hand. I saw a doctor and got a prescription for Zoster antiviral within 24 hours and got it knocked down in days without it getting worse, took the full 7 day course. Not been troubled by any symptoms since. Is that as good as getting the vaccine, I wonder.

[eppur_se_muova]

2. This deserves a cross-post in Health, where more people who might need it will see it.

Last edited Mon May 12, 2025, 04:24 AM - Edit history (1)

To clarify a little, the effect is prophylactic, not curative. Get the shingles vaccine, ward off dementia/AD ...

... but if you already have dementia/AD, they're not claiming it will help. I can't even tell if they've looked for that, though it would be surprising if found.


ETA: Thanks for this post, which also lead me to bookshop.org, which looks super interesting!

[lark]

3. Well damn, this is excellent news!

Guess it's time to schedule the shingles vaccine I've been putting off for years! I'm religious about flu , pneumonia and Covid shots but just never get around to Shingles. Time to stop procrastinating!