There is another good reason why it makes sense to get a flu vaccination every year. Two new studies have shown that the vaccine against influenza and pneumonia peopleprotect against Alzheimer'scan. The evidence suggests that people who have received at least one flu shot reduce their risk of Alzheimer's disease by about 17 percent. In addition, those who are regularly vaccinated against it have an even chance of developing the disease.
Why is a flu vaccination useful?
The new findings debunk the long-standing myth that the flu shot could cause Alzheimer's in some people. Patients with dementia are about three times more likely to die from an infection than people without the disease. Their increased risk of death due to infection further underlines the importance of vaccinating this group. In addition to evidence dispelling the myth that flu shots can cause Alzheimer's, two studies presented at the Alzheimer Association's international conference again found a reduced risk of Alzheimer's associated with vaccinations against influenza and pneumonia. The researchers examined the health records of over 9,000 people aged 60 and over. They found that those who received a flu shot had a 17 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Those that have two or moreReceived flu shots, had a 13 percent lower risk.
The second study examined the health records of over 5,000 people aged 65 and over. It showed that people who received a vaccine against pneumonia before the age of 75 were 25 to 30 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. According to the researchers, the results suggest that the pneumococcal vaccine could be a promising tool for Alzheimer's prevention. A third study presented at the conference looked at the value of vaccines in people with dementia. By examining the health data of over 1.4 million people, researchers from Denmark found that people with dementia who were hospitalized with an infection were 6.5 times more likely to die than people without infection or dementia. This increased risk of mortality in people with dementia existed both in the short term, within 30 days of infection, and in the long term, or about 10 years after the first infection.
Research results
Dienew research resultshave found that the flu and pneumonia vaccine can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. While it's unclear why these vaccines provide protection, some health experts suspect that they keep the brain healthy and protect against the widespread inflammation that these infections are known to cause. Further studies that delve deeper into the connection between vaccines, infections and cognitive decline are needed so health care providers can better understand how vaccines can be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
