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Common Childhood Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Development in Old Age
Common Childhood Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Development in Old Age

Yahoo

time10 hours ago

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Common Childhood Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Development in Old Age

A study published 30 years ago is striking up new conversation about the potential connection between the common cold sore and Alzheimer's disease. Published in The Lancet in 1997, researchers compared DNA extracted from the brains of elderly people with and without Alzheimer's, and in some of them, found herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)—an infection often contracted in childhood—dormant in the nerves. Ultimately, researchers predicted that those with HSV-1 and a specific gene, called the ApoE-e4 gene, had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Meet the Experts: David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston, Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System; and Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. Study co-author Ruth Itzhaki, Ph.D., summarized her team's findings in a recent article for The Conversation and noted that, over the years, additional work has surfaced to support hers. But what does it all mean, exactly? If a cold sore pops up, should you be concerned about dementia? We reached out to experts who explained everything. 'HSV-1 is a common virus to which almost everyone is exposed early in life,' says David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston. 'It is best known for causing cold sores and is closely related to chicken pox and mononucleosis.' What these viruses have in common is that they are neurotropic, meaning they linger in the nervous system long after the initial illness, explains Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System, and can be reactivated by stress or lowered immunity. That's how, for instance, chicken pox can manifest later in life as shingles, adds Dr. Hunter. The virus's ability to infiltrate the nerves is believed to get it past the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that shields the organ from infection via the bloodstream. Thanks to that entry point, Dr. Hunter says, HSV-1 is the most common cause of viral brain inflammation in the United States. 'There is no vaccine for HSV and almost everyone will get it by adulthood,' Dr. Hunter adds. Cold sores are a mild case of it, and symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs. Dormant HSV-1 may be reactivated by illness and reach the brain, explains Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. This can trigger brain inflammation over time, known as herpes encephalitis,and in people with genetic risk factors, like the ApoE-4 gene, contribute to Alzheimer's development, he adds. 'We don't entirely know why ApoE-4 is a risk factor for Alzheimer's,' adds Dr. Hunter. 'The link to HSV could be that ApoE-4 impacts the blood-brain barrier and makes it easier for HSV to enter.' And the inflammation caused by that entry may heighten Alzheimer's risk. 'It is now universally accepted that inflammation in the brain is a key step in the development of Alzheimer's,' Dr. Hunter reiterates. In the three decades since the original study, doctors and researchers have learned much more about Alzheimer's disease and its connection to viral inflammation. For instance, several studies have found that being immunized for any disease (like COVID-19 or the flu) reduces Alzheimer's risk, says Dr. Hunter. 'Several other studies have shown that reducing inflammation in the brain helps prevent Alzheimer's,' he adds. Santos concurs. 'Since 1996, additional studies have found HSV-1 DNA in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. Lab studies have also shown that HSV-1 infection can trigger the buildup of amyloid-beta and tau—proteins strongly associated with Alzheimer's pathology,' he explains. However, there are a few disclaimers to note. Firstly, the posed risk is associated with people who contract HSV-1 in early life, giving it time to progressively cause inflammation. The risk may be lower in adults, says Santos. 'That said, if someone has other risk factors (like a weakened immune system or APOE-e4), adult-onset HSV-1 could still have long-term consequences,' he adds. Still, neurotropic viruses are extremely common, Dr. Yancey reiterates. 'This makes it difficult to tease out whether they are causing neurologic problems or are simply common in the general population, including people with neurologic problems,' she adds. In other words, because most people end up with HSV-1 doesn't necessarily mean that most people will get Alzheimer's. 'Most cold sores aren't a cause for concern,' Santos adds. 'They're common and usually well-controlled by the immune system. But for people with frequent outbreaks, weakened immunity, or APOE-e4, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. The concern is not a single cold sore, but long-term viral activity in the brain.' More research, including long-term studies, is needed to make any solid associations, Santos and Dr. Yancey conclude. 'The current data is based on population-level surveys. There is no way to predict on an individual patient's level whether this has a meaningful impact,' says Dr. Yancey. Future research will, hopefully, at least help experts understand how antiviral treatment affects Alzheimer's risk, as well as identify better ways to detect when HSV-1 is active in the brain. 'The hope is that understanding how infections contribute to Alzheimer's will open up new ways to prevent or treat it—especially before symptoms start,' says Santos. Being vaccinated, exercising, engaging in mental stimulation, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet are all known ways to lower dementia risk, our experts say. Avoiding smoking or nicotine use of any kind can also 'drastically' reduce the risk, says Dr. Yancey. All of these habits and choices work together to support both immune and brain health. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50

Scientifically Speaking: Why morning heart attacks are more dangerous
Scientifically Speaking: Why morning heart attacks are more dangerous

Hindustan Times

time29-04-2025

  • Health
  • Hindustan Times

Scientifically Speaking: Why morning heart attacks are more dangerous

It's a fact that has been observed by many doctors. Heart attacks that strike in the early morning are quite often the deadliest. Now, researchers finally think they know why. And their discovery could change the way heart attacks are treated. 'If you have a heart attack in the morning, you are more likely to have fatal arrhythmias, heart failure, and you're more likely to die from it. The question we asked is, 'Why?'' said Holger Eltzschig, senior author of the study and chair of anesthesiology at UTHealth Houston. In their new study published in Nature, scientists led by Dr. Eltzschig uncovered a molecular partnership inside the heart that makes morning heart attacks more severe. In essence, your heart has its own internal security system that's strongest during daylight hours but weakens overnight, leaving you more vulnerable when trouble strikes before dawn. This security system involves two key proteins with complicated names. BMAL1 is the body's internal timekeeper. It helps regulate our daily rhythms, influencing when we feel alert or sleepy. HIF2A, on the other hand, helps cells adapt to low-oxygen conditions by promoting survival mechanisms like new blood vessel growth and boosting cell protection. These two proteins team up to protect the heart from damage, but their teamwork is strongest during the day and weakest at night. The team found that during the daytime, BMAL1 and HIF2A work together to boost the production of a protective molecule called amphiregulin, which acts as a cellular first-aid kit, helping heart cells survive and begin repairing after oxygen deprivation. When a heart attack hits during the afternoon, this natural defense system is running at full strength. But at night and early morning, BMAL1 and HIF2A levels drop, and the heart is left dangerously exposed. The idea that heart damage could fluctuate across the day isn't entirely new. Blood pressure, heart rate, and hormone levels all follow daily cycles. But the discovery that BMAL1, a protein best known for controlling sleep-wake rhythms, physically reshapes itself to work with a hypoxia fighter like HIF2A, gives a molecular explanation for why timing matters so much. Using mice, the researchers showed that heart attacks inflicted at around 3 a.m. are much more injurious than those at 3 p.m. They also showed that if you remove either BMAL1 or HIF2A from heart cells, the natural rhythm of protection disappears. No matter what time the heart attack struck, the injuries were detrimental. The study even captured the moment these proteins join forces, using a specialized technique called cryo-electron microscopy, which is essentially a super-powerful microscope that freezes samples to near absolute zero temperatures, allowing scientists to see molecular structures in extraordinary detail. The team found ways to boost this protective system. A natural compound called nobiletin (found in citrus peels) boosted BMAL1 activity, while a drug called vadadustat stabilised HIF2A. Both reduced heart damage in mice but crucially, only when timed to match the heart's natural protective rhythms. Administered at the wrong time, the drugs didn't have the same protective effect. 'This discovery opens up new avenues for treating heart attacks by considering the timing of drug administration,' said Eltzschig. 'Our findings highlight the potential to use targeted drugs toward these proteins to reduce the severity of heart attacks when administered at specific times.' There's even a hint that the heart's immune response might be part of this rhythmic repair system. Some immune-related genes vary by time of day too, suggesting that timing therapies could one day mean protecting not just heart muscle, but also tuning the body's immune defences after injury. The next step is testing these ideas in clinical trials to see if humans can benefit from time-based treatments. It's an idea in an emerging field of science called 'chronotherapy,' designing treatments that work with our body's natural rhythms rather than ignoring them. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death worldwide, these insights into the relationship between our body's clock and heart attack severity could ultimately lead to time-optimised treatments that save lives. -- (Anirban Mahapatra is a scientist and author, most recently of the popular science book, When the Drugs Don't Work: The Hidden Pandemic That Could End Medicine. The views expressed are personal.)

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Announces Completion of First Cases with OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System
Johnson & Johnson MedTech Announces Completion of First Cases with OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System

Yahoo

time14-04-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Announces Completion of First Cases with OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System

First use in gastric bypass at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Trial will support submission for multiple procedures NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson MedTech, a global leader in surgical technologies and solutions, today announced completion of the first cases in the clinical trial for the OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System. The cases mark the first clinical experience with the OTTAVA System. Dr. Erik Wilson*, Chief of Minimally Invasive and Elective General Surgery UT Health Houston and the lead investigator for the clinical study, performed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery using the OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. "Surgical robotics is at the forefront of innovation in minimally invasive surgery," Dr. Wilson said. "I am proud to have performed the first clinical study cases with OTTAVA and potentially help advance the standard in surgical robotics." OTTAVA is designed as a multi-specialty soft-tissue surgery robot, supporting a broad range of procedures across patient anatomy and surgical specialties, including the most complex surgeries that require a multi-quadrant approach. Data from this investigation aims to support the system's ability to perform a variety of procedures. Upon completion of the study, the company plans to submit the OTTAVA system for De Novo authorization in the United States, targeting an indication covering multiple procedures in general surgery within the upper abdomen, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, small bowel resection and hiatal hernia repair. "We are proud to reach this important milestone in our robotic surgery program," said Hani Abouhalka, Company Group Chairman, Surgery, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. "OTTAVA is a key innovation in our portfolio of advanced surgical technologies – all of which are designed to transform the surgical experiences across all surgery. Our people work side-by-side with surgical teams in ORs around the world every day to raise the standard of care for patients and deliver what's next in surgery." Johnson & Johnson MedTech's OTTAVA system received investigational device exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. FDA in late 2024. The system is designed to advance clinical innovation in general surgery, a stronghold for Johnson & Johnson MedTech's broader surgery business. OTTAVA is designed to address unmet needs that persist in robotic surgery today and support complex procedures. The system's unique unified architecture, surgical instrumentation powered by Ethicon expertise, and future connection to the Polyphonic™ digital ecosystem are designed to meet the needs of each patient's care and each surgeon's clinical approach. "As a company operating at the intersection of biology and technology, clinical evidence generation is the core of our innovation programs to advance surgical technology for patients," said Peter Schulam M.D., PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. "Through this clinical study, we are proud to be partnering with surgeons to gather evidence and support the ongoing pursuit of scientific study for the advancement of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery." The OTTAVA robotic system is under development and is not authorized to be marketed or sold in any market. For more information, visit: Surgical Solutions from Johnson & Johnson MedTech Across Johnson & Johnson, we are tackling the world's most complex and pervasive health challenges. For over 100 years, we have helped advance surgical care through our innovative portfolio across wound closure, adjunctive hemostats, surgical stapling and instruments, robotics and digital solutions. Together, with clinicians and healthcare experts around the world we are progressing what's next in surgery to better solve patient needs in metabolic and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and aesthetics and reconstruction. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector's global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopedics, surgery and vision solutions at Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn. Auris Health, Inc. is part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. *Dr. Wilson is a paid consultant for Johnson & Johnson MedTech. NOTE TO INVESTORS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product research and development, including uncertainty of clinical success and obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; challenges to patents; the impact of patent expirations; manufacturing difficulties or delays, internally or within the supply chain; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; significant adverse litigation or government action, including related to product liability claims; changes to applicable laws and regulations; trends toward health care cost containment; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. © Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates 2025. US_SRG_RADS_399335 Media contact:Lindsey Diaz-MacInnisldiazmac@ Investor Relations:Tracy MenkowskiInvestor-relations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Announces Completion of First Cases with OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System
Johnson & Johnson MedTech Announces Completion of First Cases with OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System

Associated Press

time14-04-2025

  • Business
  • Associated Press

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Announces Completion of First Cases with OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System

First use in gastric bypass at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Trial will support submission for multiple procedures NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson MedTech, a global leader in surgical technologies and solutions, today announced completion of the first cases in the clinical trial for the OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System. The cases mark the first clinical experience with the OTTAVA System. Dr. Erik Wilson*, Chief of Minimally Invasive and Elective General Surgery UT Health Houston and the lead investigator for the clinical study, performed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery using the OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. 'Surgical robotics is at the forefront of innovation in minimally invasive surgery,' Dr. Wilson said. 'I am proud to have performed the first clinical study cases with OTTAVA and potentially help advance the standard in surgical robotics.' OTTAVA is designed as a multi-specialty soft-tissue surgery robot, supporting a broad range of procedures across patient anatomy and surgical specialties, including the most complex surgeries that require a multi-quadrant approach. Data from this investigation aims to support the system's ability to perform a variety of procedures. Upon completion of the study, the company plans to submit the OTTAVA system for De Novo authorization in the United States, targeting an indication covering multiple procedures in general surgery within the upper abdomen, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, small bowel resection and hiatal hernia repair. 'We are proud to reach this important milestone in our robotic surgery program,' said Hani Abouhalka, Company Group Chairman, Surgery, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. 'OTTAVA is a key innovation in our portfolio of advanced surgical technologies – all of which are designed to transform the surgical experiences across all surgery. Our people work side-by-side with surgical teams in ORs around the world every day to raise the standard of care for patients and deliver what's next in surgery.' Johnson & Johnson MedTech's OTTAVA system received investigational device exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. FDA in late 2024. The system is designed to advance clinical innovation in general surgery, a stronghold for Johnson & Johnson MedTech's broader surgery business. OTTAVA is designed to address unmet needs that persist in robotic surgery today and support complex procedures. The system's unique unified architecture, surgical instrumentation powered by Ethicon expertise, and future connection to the Polyphonic™ digital ecosystem are designed to meet the needs of each patient's care and each surgeon's clinical approach. 'As a company operating at the intersection of biology and technology, clinical evidence generation is the core of our innovation programs to advance surgical technology for patients,' said Peter Schulam M.D., PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. 'Through this clinical study, we are proud to be partnering with surgeons to gather evidence and support the ongoing pursuit of scientific study for the advancement of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery.' The OTTAVA robotic system is under development and is not authorized to be marketed or sold in any market. For more information, visit: Surgical Solutions from Johnson & Johnson MedTech Across Johnson & Johnson, we are tackling the world's most complex and pervasive health challenges. For over 100 years, we have helped advance surgical care through our innovative portfolio across wound closure, adjunctive hemostats, surgical stapling and instruments, robotics and digital solutions. Together, with clinicians and healthcare experts around the world we are progressing what's next in surgery to better solve patient needs in metabolic and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and aesthetics and reconstruction. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector's global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopedics, surgery and vision solutions at Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn. Auris Health, Inc. is part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. *Dr. Wilson is a paid consultant for Johnson & Johnson MedTech. NOTE TO INVESTORS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the OTTAVA™ Robotic Surgical System. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product research and development, including uncertainty of clinical success and obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; challenges to patents; the impact of patent expirations; manufacturing difficulties or delays, internally or within the supply chain; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; significant adverse litigation or government action, including related to product liability claims; changes to applicable laws and regulations; trends toward health care cost containment; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' and 'Item 1A. Risk Factors,' and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. © Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates 2025. US_SRG_RADS_399335 Media contact: Lindsey Diaz-MacInnis [email protected] Investor Relations: Tracy Menkowski [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Johnson & Johnson MedTech

The shingles vaccine may reduce your dementia risk—here's why
The shingles vaccine may reduce your dementia risk—here's why

National Geographic

time08-04-2025

  • Health
  • National Geographic

The shingles vaccine may reduce your dementia risk—here's why

While there is currently no way to prevent the onset of dementia, the shingles vaccine could potentially change that. This color-enhanced Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) shows the varicella zoster virus (VZV), a virus in the Herpesviridae family that causes chickenpox in children and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. Micrograph by James Cavallini, Science Photo Library Shingles, a viral rash, can be incredibly painful. Vaccination can help prevent the infection, but new research is showing the vaccine may also have another benefit: protecting against the development of dementia. In April, a study published in Nature observed the risk of dementia in adults who received the shingles vaccine versus those who had not. Researchers found that those who were vaccinated against shingles had a 20 percent lower chance of developing dementia. This new evidence is part of a growing body of research linking vaccinations against infections like shingles, the flu, and pneumonia with a reduced risk of dementia, says Paul Schulz, a professor of neurology at UTHealth Houston who was not involved in the study. How researchers developed this study Approximately one million Americans are diagnosed with shingles every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with a small number developing serious complications, the most common being nerve pain. The infection occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for the common childhood illness chickenpox, gets reactivated in the body. Eligibility for the shingles vaccine is generally limited to adults over 50 or those 19 years and older with weakened immune systems. While there are no precise numbers around vaccination rates, vaccination among adults 60 and over rose from about 7 percent in 2008 to about 35 percent in 2018. When it comes to dementia, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of Americans may develop dementia at some point in their lives. (The reason dementia rates are rising is surprisingly simple.) In recent years, there have been a number of studies showing a link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of dementia. However, these studies 'all had this fundamental limitation that those who get vaccinated are very different from those who don't,' says Pascal Geldsetzer, an epidemiologist and public health researcher at Stanford University School of Medicine, and one of the authors of the study. Historically, those who choose to get vaccinated often have increased access to healthcare and are generally more health-conscious, all of which can help reduce a person's overall risk of developing dementia. As a result, it has previously been difficult to determine whether the shingles vaccine was related to a reduced dementia risk, or if there was another factor behind it. (What are the signs of dementia—and why is it so hard to diagnose?) In an attempt to eliminate other factors in this study, Geldsetzer and his collaborators took advantage of the fact that in Wales, people who were born before September 2, 1933 were never eligible to receive the shingles vaccine, while people born after this date were eligible for one year, after they turned 79 and before they turned 80. For those who were eligible, a little under half received the vaccine. This created a natural experiment, where two very similar groups of people—in terms of age, living environment, and access to healthcare—either did or did not receive the vaccine, with the determining factor being the timing of their birth. What the researchers found was those born after September 2, 1933 who received the shingles vaccine had a 20 percent lower chance of developing dementia than those who did not receive the vaccine. To rule out any additional factors that might be at play, researchers also looked at healthcare usage among the two groups, including flu vaccination rates, as well as use of cholesterol medication. 'I don't think there is any doubt that what they found is real,' says Paul Harrison, a psychiatry researcher at the University of Oxford. Harrison, though not involved with the study, has also conducted similar research. What these findings may tell us Researchers are trying to understand why the shingles vaccine might lead to a reduced risk of dementia. '[One] possibility is that the vaccine itself might be triggering an immune response which helps the body fend off or even reverse the mechanism of dementia,' says Maxime Taquet, a clinical lecturer in psychiatry at the University of Oxford, who was not involved in the study. Last year, Taquet and Harrison published a study in Nature Medicine looking at rates of dementia in those who received an older shingles vaccine versus those who received the new one, taking advantage of the fact that the availability of these vaccines shifted very quickly in the United States in October 2017. This meant that it was largely random as to which vaccine a person received. They found that Shingrix, the newer vaccine, was associated with a 17 percent reduced risk of developing dementia compared to the older vaccine. While the study from last year found a reduced risk of dementia in the newer vaccine compared to the older vaccine, the recent study found a reduced risk of dementia in people who received the older vaccine compared to no vaccine. Both studies lend support to the idea that getting vaccinated against shingles may protect against developing dementia.

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