2 studies find flu shot can help prevent Alzheimer's disease later in life

Wednesday, July 29, 2020
If you avoid getting flu shots because you're young and healthy, there's a new reason to get one.

New research shows flu shots may prevent more than just the flu, and they could help you keep your memory later in life.
[Ads /]
Two studies were presented at the International Alzheimer's Conference.

SEE ALSO: Doctors urge people to get flu vaccine as coronavirus pandemic carries on
Doctors urge people to get flu vaccine as COVID-19 pandemic carries on


They show yearly flu vaccines could help prevent viral infections.

It's those infections that inflame pathways, triggering memory decline.



The study suggests the following:
[Ads /]
  • At least one flu vaccination was associated with a 17% reduction in Alzheimer's incidence. More frequent flu vaccination was associated with another 13% reduction in Alzheimer's incidence.
  • Vaccination against pneumonia between ages 65 and 75 reduced Alzheimer's risk by up to 40% depending on individual genes.
  • Individuals with dementia have a higher risk of dying (6-fold) after infections than those without dementia (3-fold).

The study shows the best benefits were seen in people who started getting flu shots at an early age.

You can read more details on the studies at alz.org.
[Ads /]
RELATED:
Mother beats COVID-19 after battling flu at the same time
Mother beats COVID-19 after battling flu at the same time

How coronavirus compares with the flu
How coronavirus compares with the flu
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.