Have you heard about a new dementia jab?

Dementia affects millions of people around the world and has a serious impact on both patients and their families. According to data commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society in 2024, around one out of every three persons born today will acquire dementia at some point. Currently, approximately one million people in the United Kingdom have some type of dementia, and this figure is anticipated to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in vaccines that may help reduce the risk of getting dementia. In this post, we'll look at some of the promising new vaccines designed to protect against dementia, as well as earlier immunisations for other inidcations that have could potentially reduce dementia risk.

1. Shingrix

Shingrix, a recombinant shingles vaccine, has emerged as a promising candidate in the fight against dementia. Initially created to fight against shingles, this vaccination has shown encouraging benefits in lowering dementia risk. One large study found having the Shingrix vaccine is associated with a significant decreased incidence of dementia in the six years following vaccination. It was found to increase diagnostic-free time by 17%, resulting in 164 more days without a dementia diagnosis for those affected.

The study found that the recombinant shingles vaccine was more effective than other vaccines widely used by the elderly, such as the flu vaccine and the tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine. This protective impact was consistent across several analyses and occurred in both men and women, however it was stronger in women. These findings have prompted additional studies to better understand the processes underlying this protection, which could lead to large-scale clinical trials to confirm the Shingrix vaccine's benefits in preventing dementia.

2. ACI-24

ACI-24 is another breakthrough and innovative vaccination in the fight against dementia. This vaccine, which is still in early phases of clinical trials, targets harmful and toxic proteins in the brain that lead to Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. The vaccine helps the body create a natural immunological defence against these toxic amyloid proteins, removing them from the brain before they cause damage.

This breakthrough vaccination is given in up to five injections over the course of a year. The vaccine stimulates the body's immune cells to grasp onto and eliminate amyloids. Preliminary trials have yielded promising results, with studies taking place at major universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Dr Shahid Zaman, an Alzheimer's expert at Cambridge University, emphasised the importance of this vaccine, especially for persons with Down syndrome, who are more likely to acquire Alzheimer's due to a gene that overproduces the amyloid proteins. If effective, ACI-24 might be widely available on the NHS within five years, providing new hope to millions more people.

3. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which was first produced over a century ago to defend against tuberculosis, is currently being studied for its potential to reduce dementia risk. Recent research indicates that this vaccine may have a preventive impact against Alzheimer's disease. The BCG vaccine is thought to activate the immune system, allowing it to eliminate toxic proteins associated with dementia.

Researchers are particularly interested in how this vaccination may be reused to address modern health issues. Although the exact mechanisms are not entirely understood, first findings are intriguing and merit additional research. The ability of a well-established vaccination, such as BCG, to provide protection against dementia is a promising area of research that could lead to significant advances in how we prevent dementia.

4. Seasonal flu vaccine

The seasonal flu vaccine has also been related to a lower incidence of dementia. A research analysing US health records discovered that persons who received the flu vaccine had a decreased risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. This conclusion is noteworthy because it implies that something as simple as a flu jab may have preventive effects against dementia.

Dr. Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, emphasised that, while the association between flu vaccination and lower dementia risk is clear, more research is needed to determine the underlying causes. It's possible that people who obtain the flu vaccine are more inclined to take other precautions to preserve their health, which could help explain the reported decrease in dementia risk. Nonetheless, ensuring that older people get their flu jab could be a simple and efficient way to help reduce the prevalence of dementia.

5. Pneumonia vaccination

The pneumonia vaccine, which prevents deadly bacterial infections, has also been linked to a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers in the United States discovered that immunisation against pneumonia and flu between the ages of 65 and 75 was associated with a lower chance of acquiring Alzheimer's. This connection was observed even after controlling for sex, age, race, education, and genetic risk.

Dr Rosa Sancho stated that, while the exact causes for this protective effect are unknown, it is obvious that infection prevention can improve overall health and reduce the risk of dementia. The pneumonia vaccine is widely available on the NHS for everyone over the age of 65, making it a viable choice for lowering the risk of both pneumonia and, potentially, dementia. Further large-scale clinical trials are required to confirm these findings and gain a better understanding of the pneumonia vaccine's potential benefits in dementia prevention.

Conclusion

The hunt for effective ways to reduce dementia risk continues, and vaccines are becoming an increasingly prominent tool of that endeavour. There is hope that we can make major progress in dementia prevention by using promising new vaccinations such as Shingrix and ACI-24, as well as older vaccines such as flu and pneumonia. While additional research is required to fully understand the mechanisms and efficacy of these vaccinations, the prospective advantages seem promising.

Tiggo Care is dedicated to providing the finest possible support for those living with a dementia health condition and their families. Our personalised dementia care services guarantee that each person's specific requirements are satisfied, thereby improving their quality of life. Whether you need help with personal care, medication regimes, or attending appointments, our experienced team is ready to assist. Contact Tiggo Care today to find out how we can help you and your loved ones on this journey.