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In a recent study, researchers found that the live attenuated vaccine for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) lowered risk for developing dementia, possibly by attenuating neuroinflammation caused by VZV infection in the brain (NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 1 2025 and Alzheimers Dement 2025; 21:14595). Previous small studies have hinted that this vaccine also might protect against various forms of heart disease, again by reducing vascular inflammation.
In a new South Korean study, researchers evaluated nearly 1.3 million people (age ≥50) who were entered into a nationwide database. In an analysis adjusted for numerous confounders and with an average follow-up of 6 years, people who received a VZV vaccine had significantly lower risk (by ≈25%) for overall adv…