Flu and pneumonia vaccinations may lower risk for Alzheimer's, studies find
"This is an encouraging finding that builds upon prior evidence that vaccination against common infections diseases -- such as the flu -- is associated with a reduced risk for Alzheimer's and a delay in disease onset," said neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, founder of the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medical Center, who was not involved in the study.
"Regular use of the flu vaccine, especially starting at an early age, may help prevent viral infections that could cause cascading effects on the immune system and inflammatory pathways. These viral infections may trigger Alzheimers related cognitive decline," Isaacson said.
But experts say more studies are needed to pin down the relationship between getting those vaccines and the reduced risk.
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD) yet, but research shows paying attention to certain key lifestyle factors -- including getting proper sleep, nutrition and exercise -- may influence a person's individual risk. Getting vaccinated may fall into that category.
If getting vaccinated for flu or pneumonia, just on its own, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, then these are important messages to get out to the public, Alzheimer's Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo told CNN.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/27/health/flu-pneumonia-shot-lowers-alzheimers-risk-wellness/index.html
