Caring for an elderly parent often means keeping track of a long list of medical appointments, health conditions, and preventive measures – all while juggling your own life. So when new research suggests that a routine vaccine could reduce your parent's risk of developing dementia, it’s something to take notice of.
A major new study published in Nature (2025) has found that the shingles vaccine may reduce the chance of a dementia diagnosis by up to 20% over seven years. That’s a significant figure – especially given how common dementia is in later life.
In this article, we unpack what this means for carents – adult children caring for parents – and offer practical guidance on how to talk to your parent and their GP about shingles vaccination.
What’s the Link Between Shingles and Dementia?
Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus – varicella zoster – which lies dormant in the body. As we age, our immune system becomes less able to keep it in check, leading to painful outbreaks of shingles, often affecting the nerves.
But it turns out that the consequences of this reactivation might go deeper than we thought. Some scientists believe that the inflammation and immune response linked to shingles may also play a role in cognitive decline and the development of dementia.
This latest research adds weight to that idea – and points to a potential protective role for the shingles vaccine.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers analysed the health records of over 280,000 people aged between 70 and 88 in Wales. They used a natural experiment based on an unusual rule: in Wales, only people born on or after 2 September 1933 were eligible for the shingles vaccine (Zostavax) when the programme began in 2013.
That meant the researchers could compare people who were just a few days apart in age – and otherwise very similar – but where one group was eligible for the vaccine, and the other wasn’t.
Here’s what they found:
- Those who received the vaccine were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next seven years.
- The effect was even more pronounced in women, who are already more likely to develop dementia than men.
- There was no difference between the groups when it came to other health outcomes, suggesting this isn’t simply because the vaccinated group were healthier overall.
These findings were confirmed using different datasets and methods – including dementia-related deaths on death certificates across England and Wales.
So, How Could a Vaccine Reduce Dementia Risk?
While we don’t yet know for certain, researchers believe there are two main ways the vaccine might work:
1. Preventing virus reactivation
The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of the virus reactivating and causing inflammation in the body – especially in the nervous system. Reducing that kind of inflammation might help lower the risk of long-term damage to the brain.
2. Boosting immune protection
There’s growing evidence that some vaccines, particularly live-attenuated ones like Zostavax, may offer broader immune benefits beyond their target illness. By stimulating the immune system, they might help reduce chronic inflammation or improve the body’s defences more generally – both of which are factors in dementia.
While these mechanisms are still being explored, the takeaway is simple: vaccination could have wider benefits than we once realised.
What Does This Mean for My Parent?
If your parent is in their 70s or early 80s and hasn’t yet had the shingles vaccine, this research offers another compelling reason to ask about it.
In the UK:
- The NHS shingles vaccination programme offers free vaccines to people turning 65 and 70, with eligibility gradually being expanded to all 60-79 year olds over time.
- Those aged 50 or over with a weakened immune system are also eligible.
- From September 2023, the Shingrix vaccine (a newer, non-live version) replaced Zostavax for routine use. While the study focused on Zostavax, Shingrix may have similar effects, though further research is needed.
Even if your parent is over 80 and not currently eligible for the vaccine through the NHS, it may be worth discussing private options with their GP, especially if they have a family history of dementia or are concerned about cognitive health.
How to Talk to Your Parent (and Their GP)
It can be hard to bring up the topic of vaccines – especially if your parent has concerns or has never had shingles before.
Here are a few conversation starters:
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“Mum, I read something recently that made me think we should ask the GP about the shingles jab. It might actually help protect your memory in the long run.”
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“Dad, did you ever have the shingles vaccine? There’s new research that says it could reduce the risk of dementia. I thought it was worth checking out.”
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“Let’s add shingles vaccination to our list for the next check-up – even if it’s just to ask about it.”
Most GP practices can check if your parent has already had the vaccine, or if they’re eligible for the current NHS rollout.
How This Fits into the Bigger Picture
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention has identified modifiable risk factors – things that, if changed or managed well, could prevent or delay dementia in up to 40% of cases.
These include:
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Smoking
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High blood pressure
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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High cholesterol
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Obesity
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Poor education access early in life
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Air pollution
While vaccination isn’t yet on that official list, this new research could help change that.
Final Word for Carents
If you’re already doing everything you can to support your parent’s wellbeing – encouraging exercise, managing medications, helping them stay connected – adding one more preventive step might feel like a lot.
But this one might be worth it.
The shingles vaccine is safe, widely available, and now, potentially protective against one of the most challenging conditions of later life. It won’t prevent dementia entirely, but it might help tip the scales.
And as ever, you don’t have to do it alone. Ask the GP. Start the conversation. We're here to help with guidance, facts and community.
