How one common vaccine may lower your dementia risk

As you know, I’m often the first to warn about the pitfalls of Big Pharma’s creations.

But my approach is rooted in complementary medicine—which means I draw from the most effective elements of both conventional and alternative care.

Because sometimes, a mainstream solution truly does deliver.

Take the shingles vaccine, for example—something I believe everyone over 50 should get. It’s highly effective at protecting against a painful, often debilitating viral infection.

And now, new research reveals a surprising “brain-boosting” bonus…

A hidden brain benefit

In a large study, researchers analyzed health records from more than 280,000 older adults who received the original shingles vaccine, Zostavax.

These folks had a 20 percent lower risk of developing dementia over seven years compared to those who didn’t receive the vaccine.

You might be wondering: Why would a vaccine for shingles help your brain?

Well, shingles is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system. And chronic viral stress is believed to play a role in neurodegeneration.

In other words, by preventing shingles, you may be easing your brain’s burden—reducing inflammation, infection risk, and immune dysfunction that can damage neurons.

Interestingly, the protective brain benefit was even stronger in women—possibly due to a stronger immune response or a higher rate of shingles.

Prevention still wins

Now, this benefit was tied specifically to Zostavax, a live vaccine that is no longer available. But if you’ve received it in the past, this study brings welcome news.

Today’s version—Shingrix—is no longer a live vaccine. But data suggests this option may reduce the risk of cognitive decline!

(Refer to the September 2024 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives, to learn more. Click here now to access it!)

So yes, I still recommend getting vaccinated against shingles. I mean, if it could help reduce or delay dementia in 20 percent of the population? The potential social and economic benefits would be profound.

Not to mention, I’ve seen patients suffer from outbreaks in truly awful places—including the eye, leading to permanent blindness. Others are left with chronic nerve pain that no drug can fix.

This new study is a reminder of something I’ve said for years: The best defense against chronic disease—whether it’s dementia, shingles, or anything else—is a strong, well-supported immune system.

And that starts with these simple building blocks: A healthy diet, consistent movement, and quality sleep. I also recommend a few immune-boosting supplements like vitamin D, olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, and zinc.

At the end of the day, while we don’t know exactly how this vaccine reduces dementia risk, one thing is clear…

When you reduce inflammation and keep your immune system strong, your brain benefits. To learn more science-backed strategies to protect your brain and fight dementia, check out my Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment Plan. Click here now!

Source:

“Shingles vaccine may protect against dementia, new study suggests.” NBC News, 04/02/2025. (nbcnews.com/health/aging/shingles-vaccine-dementia-risk-older-adults-rcna198952)