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

For decades, researchers have searched for a way to slow or prevent dementia. Despite countless studies, solutions remain scarce. But now, a common shingles vaccine might provide an unexpected answer.

Taking advantage of a unique public health policy in the UK, a new study has found that receiving the shingles vaccine reduces dementia risk by 20%. The findings bolster a growing body of research linking the vaccine to lower numbers of dementia cases.