Shingrix is a vaccine used to help prevent shingles, which is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. In this study, it is being tested to see if it can also help reduce the risk of being diagnosed with dementia in older adults.

Dementia – This is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It involves the loss of cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and communication. The condition typically progresses gradually over time. As it develops, the damage to brain cells becomes more widespread. This leads to increasing difficulty in performing routine tasks and managing personal care.

Alzheimer’s disease – This is a specific type of brain disorder that causes a progressive decline in memory and thinking skills. It occurs when certain proteins build up in the brain and damage nerve cells. The condition starts with mild forgetfulness and slowly worsens over many years. As the disease advances, it affects a person’s ability to recognize familiar faces and navigate their surroundings. The loss of cognitive abilities continues to grow as more brain cells are affected.