May 2, 2024

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Influenza Vaccination Linked to 40% Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Influenza Vaccination Linked to 40% Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Surprising Study Reveals



Influenza Vaccination Linked to 40% Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Surprising Study Reveals

Understanding the Relationship Between Vaccines and Brain Health.

Staying updated on the latest information about vaccines for diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia is crucial for avoiding severe complications due to infections.

Now, there’s another compelling reason not to overlook these vaccinations. Recent research suggests that vaccines, particularly those for influenza and pneumonia, may play a role in protecting brain health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Heather M. Snyder, Deputy Chief of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, states, “Recent studies suggest that vaccines for influenza and pneumonia may reduce the risk of cognitive decline with age.”

Influenza Vaccination Linked to 40% Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, Surprising Study Reveals

The groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease this fall, examined vaccination records of over 1.6 million patients aged 65 and above.

The study found a significant decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease within 8 years for individuals who received the combination vaccine for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT), the shingles vaccine, and the pneumonia vaccine compared to those who did not.

Those who received the DPT vaccine had a 30% lower risk of developing dementia, while the shingles vaccine and pneumonia vaccine were associated with a 25% and 27% reduced risk, respectively—a substantial numerical difference.

This latest research builds on a June 2022 study by the same team, which reported a 40% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals who received the influenza vaccine. A study from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 2021, published in the Vaccine journal, also supported the notion that the influenza vaccine is linked to a reduction in the risk of cognitive decline.

The researchers speculate that these findings align with the hypothesis that vaccinations, rather than preventing specific infectious diseases, may reduce the risk of dementia by training the immune system. If vaccines are identified as factors that decrease the risk of dementia, it could offer a cost-effective and low-risk treatment method surpassing current preventive measures.

Understanding the Causes of Cognitive Decline, Including Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of all cases of dementia, with over 100 identified genes influencing the risk of its development. Dr. Snyder emphasizes that while these genes contribute to the risk, they are not the sole cause. Other factors such as cardiovascular and metabolic health, sleep quality, and habits like smoking also impact the risk of cognitive decline in older age.

The Relationship Between Vaccines and Cognitive Decline: More Research Needed

To precisely determine the relationship between vaccines and brain health, further research is necessary. Dr. Snyder notes that ongoing studies are exploring various potential factors, such as the possibility that vaccines stimulate the immune system in a way that benefits brain health. Additionally, individuals receiving vaccines might also adopt habits that promote brain health, or there may be a more direct link between infectious diseases and brain health.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and predictions suggest a significant increase in patients by 2050, exploring every potential avenue to reduce the risk remains crucial. This article is a translated version of content originally published on an international site, with all data and research results sourced from the original article.

Influenza Vaccination Linked to 40% Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

(source:internet, reference only)


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