Study finds shingles increases risk of cognitive decline - Harvard Gazette

Almost all individuals in the U.S. age 50 years and older have been infected with VZV and are therefore at risk for shingles.

Researchers don't know the mechanisms that link the virus to cognitive health, but there are several possible ways it may contribute to cognitive decline.

Previous studies of shingles and dementia have been conflicting. Some research indicates that shingles increases the risk of dementia, while others indicate there's no association or a negative association.

Given the growing number of Americans at risk for this painful and often disabling disease and the availability of a very effective vaccine, shingles vaccination could provide a valuable opportunity to reduce the burden of shingles and possibly reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Read at Harvard Gazette