Chronic Varicella-Zoster Virus Brain Infection Might Trigger Dementia

And vaccination against shingles was associated with lower subsequent risk for vascular dementia or Alzheimer disease.

Chronic, low-grade infection of the brain has been linked to excess risk for various forms of dementia, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD). Herpesviruses are prime suspects, because they are neurotropic and cause lifelong infections. Herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses (NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 15 2020 and Sci Adv 2020; 6:eaay8828) and human cytomegalovirus (NEJM JW Gen Med Sep 1 2006 and J Am Geriatr Soc 2006; 54:1046) have been linked to dementia. Two new studies incriminate another herpesvirus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Nearly 150,000 people in three prospective observational studies periodically completed questionnaires to assess subjective cognitive decline. Participants' previous shingles episodes were validated and recor…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Chronic Varicella-Zoster Virus Brain Infection Might Trigger Dementia

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Reviewing Author