Shingles Vaccine May Fight Dementia and Slow Aging

Getting a shingles shot at age 50 might sound like just another medical chore, but scientists are discovering it could be one of the best health decisions you'll ever make.

The vaccine, already proven to prevent the excruciating pain of shingles, now shows promise in fighting dementia and slowing down aging itself. Researchers at the University of Southern California found that people who received the shingles vaccine showed signs of slower biological aging at the molecular level compared to those who skipped it.

Chad Bernhard learned about shingles the hard way. The New York City audio instructor was in his mid-30s when a rash exploded across his chest and back, turning into what he describes as feeling like "the whole side of your body was being stung by hornets, continuously."

Shingles happens when the chicken pox virus, dormant in our bodies for years, wakes up and inflames nerves before breaking through the skin. About one in three Americans will experience this painful condition in their lifetime, yet only 36% of adults over 50 have gotten even one of the two recommended vaccine doses.

The hesitation is understandable since some people worry about side effects. But doctors say the temporary discomfort from the vaccine pales compared to the days or weeks of debilitating pain from an actual shingles infection.

The Bright Side

Beyond preventing shingles, the vaccine appears to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Professor Eileen Crimmins, who led the USC aging study, explains that inflammation is "one of the very most basic mechanisms of aging" and both causes and results from various diseases.

A separate study published in December found the vaccine may help protect against dementia. While researchers caution these studies show correlation rather than direct cause and effect, the findings are exciting enough to warrant deeper investigation.

The original study looked at an older vaccine called Zostavax, which was discontinued in 2020. Since the current vaccine, Shingrix, is stronger and more effective, Crimmins believes "you might expect even greater effects on underlying aging."

Doctors recommend getting vaccinated at age 50 when insurance typically covers it, though shingles can strike much younger. Physical and emotional stress, certain chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma, and even intense exercise can trigger outbreaks.

The good news keeps getting better: kids who received the chicken pox vaccine in childhood face lower shingles risk later in life. While there's a tiny chance the chicken pox vaccine could reactivate and cause shingles, doctors say it's far less likely than in people who had actual chicken pox.

Watching for early warning signs matters too, since prompt treatment can minimize suffering. Tingling sensations, skin sensitivity, or intense pain signal it's time to see a doctor immediately.

What started as a vaccine to prevent painful rashes may turn out to be a powerful tool for healthier aging.