Strong Evidence Shows Shingles Vaccine May Lower Dementia Risk

New research suggests the Shingrix vaccine could provide protection against dementia, stroke, and heart attack.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:20am

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A recent study found a 51% reduction in dementia risk among individuals vaccinated with the Shingrix shingles vaccine, even after accounting for other factors. Experts believe the vaccine's immune-boosting effects may offer broader protection against neurological diseases. While more research is needed, the potential benefits extend beyond just preventing the painful shingles rash, including potential cardiovascular health benefits.

Why it matters

Shingles affects one in three Americans, yet vaccination rates remain low. This new research highlights the significant potential of the shingles vaccine to not only prevent the immediate symptoms of shingles, but also reduce the risk of serious long-term health consequences like dementia, stroke, and heart attack. Understanding these added benefits could motivate more people to get vaccinated.

The details

The 2026 study, led by Dr. Emily Rayens at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, found a 51% reduction in dementia risk among those who received the Shingrix vaccine. Experts believe this protective effect may stem from the vaccine's ability to reduce chronic immune system stress and neuroinflammation caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Additionally, a 2025 review of 19 studies indicated that shingles vaccination was associated with a lower risk of both stroke and heart attack.

  • The 2026 study on the link between the Shingrix vaccine and reduced dementia risk was published in March 2026.
  • The 2025 review on the cardiovascular benefits of the shingles vaccine was published the previous year.

The players

Dr. Emily Rayens

The lead researcher on the 2026 study that found a 51% reduction in dementia risk among those who received the Shingrix vaccine.

Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer

A researcher at Stanford University who is currently fundraising for a clinical trial to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between the shingles vaccine and dementia prevention.

Dr. Andrew Wallach

The ambulatory care chief medical officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, who acknowledges 'vaccine fatigue' as a contributing factor to vaccine hesitancy.

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What they’re saying

“We potentially have a very inexpensive, readily scalable, readily available intervention that could have large effects for dementia prevention or potentially even treatment.”

— Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, Researcher, Stanford University

“Vaccine fatigue is a contributing factor to vaccine hesitancy.”

— Dr. Andrew Wallach, Ambulatory Care Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals

What’s next

Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer of Stanford University is currently fundraising for a clinical trial to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between the shingles vaccine and dementia prevention.

The takeaway

This research highlights the significant potential of the shingles vaccine to not only prevent the immediate symptoms of shingles, but also reduce the risk of serious long-term health consequences like dementia, stroke, and heart attack. Understanding these added benefits could motivate more people to get vaccinated and help address the persistently low vaccination rates.