Shingles are caused by the same virus that triggers chickenpox in youth, the varicella zoster virus. That virus then goes dormant but can rear its ugly head to cause shingles as immune system defenses wane in the senior years. But did you know that shingles and cognitive decline are connected, with any history of shingles tied to 20% higher odds for subjective signs of cognitive decline?

So how does the shingles virus harm the brain? Researchers believe that the virus may damage blood vessels in the body and/or brain, harming cognition over time. “We’re evaluating to see if we can identify risk factors that could be modified to help reduce people’s risk of developing shingles,” says Dr. Sharon Curhan of the Channing Division for Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She went on to say, “We also want to study whether the shingles vaccine can help reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes from shingles, such as cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.”

Just one more thing, right? Wrong! This one is a no-brainer! Seniors need to be vaccinated against the shingles virus. The vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 years old and those over 18 years old who are immunocompromised. The vaccine is 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. It requires two doses, 2-6 months apart, just a little poke that might save your residents from a long, ugly battle with shingles. Have your pharmacy provider do an audit of your admissions, and if you have residents not currently vaccinated, consider meeting with them and their families to discuss the reasons they should consider it. Shingles and cognitive decline are linked, making vaccination even more crucial. Stay well and stay informed!