By Phil Gutis | July 27th, 2020
Regular Flu Shots May Cut Alzheimer’s Risk by 40 Percent
Every fall, the reminders to get a flu shot can become so pervasive they can be easily ignored: “Yeah, yeah,” you say. “I need to get my flu shot, but I’ll do it tomorrow.” But what if scientists could prove that getting your flu shot could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease? Would that help break through the white noise?
Three studies presented at the 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) today found that vaccinations indeed seem to significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
The research on connections between vaccinations and Alzheimer’s was presented on the first day of the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference. Scheduled to be held in Amsterdam, the conference is instead being presented virtually and available to anyone for free. (Forewarning: the conference is very heavy on scientific lingo and fairly inaccessible for a non-medical audience.)
In one study presented today, researchers found that a one-time treatment with a flu vaccine was associated with a 17 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. More frequent vaccinations cut Alzheimer’s incidence by a further 13 percent. Another study found that vaccination against pneumonia for people between ages 65 and 75 reduced Alzheimer’s risk by up to 40 percent for some people.
And for those with dementia, getting those flu shots could make a life-or-death difference. Another study found that people with dementia are six-times more likely to die from flu-like diseases.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines are at the forefront of public health discussions,” Maria C. Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, said in a news release. “It is important to explore their benefit in not only protecting against viral or bacterial infection but also improving long-term health outcomes.”
Submitted by Pat France, MSRN Member
