This shot can slow progression of dementia if you have it: study

Worth a shot?

Over 6 million Americans live with dementia, a progressive condition that affects memory, reasoning, judgment and language skills.

There is no known cure for dementia, but new research suggests that a common vaccine may help prevent its onset and slow its progression.

An April Stanford Medicine study found that people inoculated against shingles were 20% less likely to develop dementia than unvaccinated individuals.

A follow-up study published this week determined that those who already have dementia may also benefit from the vaccine.

“This really suggests the shingles vaccine doesn’t have only preventive, delaying benefits for dementia, but also therapeutic potential for those who already have dementia,” said Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer , a Stanford assistant professo