Shingles is linked to inflammation in the brain. Research shows how to cut dementia risk.

The shingles vaccine may significantly help protect older adults against dementia, a growing body of evidence shows

The shingles vaccine may significantly help protect older adults against dementia, a growing body of evidence shows.

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Exactly how is unclear. The nervous system, however, likely holds clues.

Shingles, a condition triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the body, can cause a “war zone” of inflammation in the brain, said Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, the medical director of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program in northern Virginia.