The Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia Risk by 20%—Doctors Explain How
Learn why it's worth getting vaccinated
The shingles virus is often associated with painful rashes and nerve discomfort, but recent research suggests getting vaccinated against its effects can protect your memory—not just your skin. A new landmark Stanford University study suggests that the shingles vaccine reduces dementia risk by 20 percent. To better understand the connection, we spoke with neurology experts who shed light on how shingles affect the body and how the vaccine may safeguard against memory-robbing illnesses like dementia.
What is the shingles virus?
“The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), or shingles, is the same virus that causes chickenpox,” explains Mike McGrath, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Clinical Officer at The Oasis Recovery. “The virus lies dormant within the nerve cells in anyone who has had chickenpox.”
For people over 50 or with weakened immune systems, he adds that the virus “can reactivate,” causing shingles. This condition leads to a painful rash, blisters and nerve pain that can persist for weeks or even months.
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How the shingles vaccine lowers dementia risk
The most recent Stanford study examined the health records of more than 280,000 adults in Wales. The study authors found that those who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine were 20 percent less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years than those who did not receive the vaccine. This supports the findings from two earlier studies from July 2024 that suggested that the shingles vaccine may help prevent dementia.
The shingles vaccine, such as Shingrix or Zostavax, has been proven to dramatically reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications, including postherpetic neuralgia, or nerve pain. “[The] recent studies suggest that receiving the shingles vaccine may significantly reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia,” says says David Perlmutter, MD, a board-certified neurologist.
One of the 2024 studies conducted by the University of Oxford found that out of more than 200,000 participants, those who received the vaccine spent 17 percent more time free of a dementia diagnosis, translating to about 164 additional days lived without dementia.
“The [2024] studies suggest that people who were vaccinated couldn’t avoid dementia altogether, but the vaccine did seem to delay the diagnosis,” Dr. McGrath. That said, the new 2025 study shows a stronger link between the shingles vaccine and the ability to avoid dementia. However, more research is still needed.
“We are far more certain about the relationship between metabolic conditions like obesity, type-2 diabetes and elevated blood pressure and increased risk for dementia,” adds Dr. Perlmutter.
How shingles impacts brain health and dementia risk
“The shingles virus resides in clusters of nerve cell bodies near the spinal cord and cranial nerves,” Dr. Perlmutter says. “When the virus reactivates, it travels along the nerve fibers to the skin, causing painful rashes. In some cases, it can affect cranial nerves or even spread to the brain, leading to encephalitis (brain inflammation). This can result in serious complications such as confusion, seizures and even long-term neurological problems if left untreated.”
The connection between shingles and dementia is complex, but several theories help explain the link. “The idea that chronic infectious agents like bacteria or viruses might play a role in dementia has been postulated for at least the past 20 years,” says Dr. Perlmutter.
“Chronic infections may induce persistent low-grade inflammation that threatens the brain’s neurons over time,” he explains. “This inflammation ultimately leads to neurons undergoing a process of self-directed death—a mechanism now thought to be pivotal in what makes a good brain go bad.” The shingles virus may also contribute to vascular changes, increasing the risk of stroke, another condition linked to dementia. Still, most people with shingles don’t experience brain complications.
The shingles vaccine and healthy habits protect your memory
If you’re over 50 or at higher risk for shingles, getting vaccinated is a proactive step for both your physical and cognitive health. While the vaccine’s dementia-protective benefits aren’t yet definitive, its ability to prevent shingles and related complications is well-established.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—such as managing blood pressure, exercising regularly and staying mentally active—can further reduce dementia risk. If you have concerns about shingles and cognitive health, consult your doctor for personalized advice.
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