Researchers from UTHealth Houston have found that previous vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap/Td), herpes zoster (shingles), and pneumococcus may be linked to a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
This discovery was shared in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
What the Study Found
Alzheimer’s affects over 6 million people in the U.S., and the numbers are increasing due to the aging population.
The study followed up from previous research which identified that those who had received at least one flu vaccine were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
The current research wanted to see if the reduced Alzheimer’s risk was linked specifically to the flu vaccine or was a more general effect from vaccinations.
Researchers took a retrospective approach, looking at patients who were dementia-free for two years and were at least 65 years old at the start of an eight-year monitoring period.
By comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated groups for Tdap/Td, HZ, or pneumococcal vaccines, the team assessed the relative and absolute risks for Alzheimer’s disease.
Significant Insights
Tdap/Td vaccine recipients were 30% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
HZ vaccine showed a 25% reduced risk.
Pneumococcal vaccine was associated with a 27% reduced risk.
By comparison, recent anti-amyloid antibodies used in Alzheimer’s treatment displayed a slowing of disease progression by 25%, 27%, and 35%.
Potential Reasons
Vaccines might modify how the immune system reacts to toxic protein accumulations linked to Alzheimer’s.
They could enhance immune cells’ efficacy in clearing these proteins or refine the immune response to decrease damage to healthy brain cells nearby.
The research also emphasizes the preventive potential of specific vaccine technologies against Alzheimer’s.
About the Vaccines
Tdap/Td covers tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Adults require a booster every decade to maintain protection against these diseases.
HZ guards against shingles, a chickenpox virus reactivation. The CDC suggests two doses of the Shingrix vaccine for adults aged 50 and above.
Pneumococcus defends against pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections. Recommended for children under 5 and adults over 65.
Concluding Thoughts
With Alzheimer’s treatment expanding, especially with recent FDA approvals, these findings underscore the importance of adult vaccinations.
Not only do they provide protection against targeted diseases, but they may also play a role in Alzheimer’s prevention.
Kristofer Harris sums it up: the research not only emphasizes the importance of Alzheimer’s prevention but also accentuates the general value of vaccination.
If you care about dementia, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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