G etting vaccinated for the viral illness shingles, which causes a painful rash, could potentially be the next best tool in preventing dementia, a new study published in Nature fi

A vaccination to prevent horribly painful shingles may offer an extra benefit: New research suggests it might lower the risk of dementia, too.

Several previous studies have suggested that shingles vaccinations might reduce dementia risk, but most could not exclude the possibility that people who get vaccinated might have other dementia-protective characteristics, like healthier lifestyles, better diets or more years of education.

Researchers at Stanford University found evidence that suggests the shingles vaccine lowers the risk of developing dementia. Evidence from the study suggested the vaccine cut the risk of developing dementia over the next seven years by 20%.

A vaccine for shingles could protect against dementia according to a new study that took advantage of a quirk in Wales' vaccine rollout scheme.

Getting vaccinated against shingles may not only lower risk for the condition — it may offer some protection against dementia, a new study suggests.