Vaccine to Prevent Heart Attacks and Alzheimer’s Now Available

Research presented in October 2025 indicates that vaccination against shingles may significantly lower the risk of vascular dementia and major cardiovascular events in adults aged 50 and older.

The findings, presented at IDWeek 2025, suggest that the vaccine provides protection beyond the prevention of the viral infection itself, potentially reducing the likelihood of heart disease, dementia, and premature death.

Analysis of Vaccine Impact on Heart and Brain Health

The study involved an analysis of health records from more than 174,000 adults across 107 health systems in the United States. Researchers compared the outcomes of individuals who received the shingles vaccine against those who received the pneumococcal vaccine.

Participants who were vaccinated against shingles were followed for a period ranging from three months to seven years post-vaccination. The data revealed several significant reductions in health risks for the vaccinated group.

• A 50% lower risk of vascular dementia, which is dementia caused by blood flow problems.
• A 27% lower risk of blood clots.
• A 25% lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
• A 21% lower risk of premature death.

Dr. Ali Dehghani, a doctor of internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine and the presenting author of the research, emphasized that the impact of the virus extends beyond the skin.

Shingles is more than just a rash — it can raise the risk of serious problems for the heart and brain

Dr. Ali Dehghani

Dr. Dehghani further noted that the study findings suggest the vaccine may be particularly beneficial for individuals who are already at a higher risk for stroke or heart attack.

Context of Previous Medical Research

These findings build upon a series of studies published in early 2025 that explored the link between shingles vaccination and long-term neurological and cardiovascular health.

A study published in May 2025 reported that the shingles vaccine may help lower a person’s risk for cardiovascular events by 23%. Research published in April 2025 indicated that the vaccine could reduce the overall risk of dementia by as much as 20%.

Further research from Stanford Medicine, published on April 2, 2025, suggested that the vaccine might also benefit individuals who have already been diagnosed with dementia. That study found that vaccination may help slow the progress of the disease in those patients.

Medical experts note that previous studies have established that a shingles infection can trigger both neurologic and cardiovascular complications. The current evidence suggests that by preventing the infection, the vaccine may also protect against these secondary complications.

Public Health Recommendations

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that adults aged 50 and older receive two doses of the shingles vaccine.

This recommendation is based on the high prevalence of the condition, as the CDC estimates that approximately one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime.

Shingles is a viral condition characterized by an extremely painful rash that eventually blisters. While primarily known for these cutaneous symptoms, the research presented at IDWeek 2025 highlights the vaccine’s potential as a broader preventative measure for brain and heart health in older adults.