A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, has found a potential link between shingles and subjective cognitive decline. This study highlights the importance of being vaccinated against shingles, especially for individuals who have had chickenpox, as the virus responsible for shingles remains in the body after a chickenpox infection. Men with a specific gene, APOE4, are at a higher risk of cognitive issues compared to women. The study found a 20% increase in the likelihood of experiencing subjective cognitive decline for individuals who have had shingles. This association between shingles and cognitive decline has been increasingly supported by recent research.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the VZV virus remains in their body, putting them at risk for developing shingles later in life. Almost all adults over the age of 50 in the United States carry the VZV virus due to the prevalence of chickenpox during their childhood. Individuals who have had shingles have been found to have a higher risk of subjective cognitive decline, especially for men with the APOE4 gene, associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Subjective cognitive decline is characterized by self-perceived cognitive issues that may not be detectable through formal cognitive testing.
SCD may not be apparent through routine conversations with healthcare providers or standard cognitive testing and is often self-reported by individuals who may be experiencing memory issues. While SCD may be mild, it has been associated with an increased risk of progression to mild cognitive impairment and dementia in some individuals. Further research is needed to understand why men with the APOE4 gene have a higher incidence of cognitive decline related to shingles compared to women. The study also highlights the potential connection between VZV, vascular health, and cognitive outcomes, emphasizing the complex interplay between infectious agents, vascular health, and brain function as individuals age.
The study suggests that individuals who have had shingles should be vigilant about their cognitive health and seek medical attention if they experience subjective cognitive decline. Early detection and intervention may help prevent further cognitive decline or more serious cognitive issues in the future. The findings of this study underscore the importance of getting vaccinated against shingles to reduce the risk of developing cognitive issues later in life, especially for individuals who have had chickenpox. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind the sex-specific effects of the APOE4 gene on subjective cognitive decline in individuals who have had shingles.
Ultimately, the study provides valuable insights into the potential link between shingles and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and proactive monitoring of cognitive health. By understanding the relationship between shingles, subjective cognitive decline, and genetic risk factors, healthcare providers can better identify individuals at risk for cognitive issues and implement early interventions to help maintain cognitive function as individuals age. The study’s findings serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and regular cognitive assessments to promote healthy aging and reduce the risk of cognitive decline associated with shingles.
