Routine Vaccines Can Cut Risk for Later Alzheimer Disease

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 23, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Prior vaccinations against tetanus and diphtheria, shingles, and pneumococcus are all associated with a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer disease, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Kristofer Harris, from University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and colleagues compared the risk for developing Alzheimer disease between adults with and without prior vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria, with or without pertussis (Tdap/Td); herpes zoster; or pneumococcus. The analysis included data from adults aged 65 years and older at the start of the eight-year follow-up period.

The researchers found that receipt of the Tdap/Td (relative risk [RR], 0.70; absolute risk reduction [ARR], 0.03), herpes zoster (RR, 0.75; ARR, 0.02), and pneumococcal (RR, 0.73; ARR, 0.02) vaccines were associated with a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer disease.

"Adult vaccinations are widely available and are already routinely administered as part of a vaccination schedule," Harris said in a statement. "Our findings are a win for both Alzheimer's disease prevention research and for public health in general, as this is one more study demonstrating the value of vaccination."

One author disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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