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Flu season is upon us once again, with fall right around the corner. Study after study shows the benefit of the flu vaccine to help prevent or minimize a bout of the flu virus. Beyond that, research has also shown the flu vaccine and other routine adult vaccinations can help protect the brain and safeguard your health.
By Alzheimer's Prevention Bulletin
As flu season approaches, you might wonder if getting a flu vaccine is truly necessary. Beyond the familiar benefits of avoiding the flu itself, there's growing evidence that the flu vaccine plays a crucial role in safeguarding overall health, including brain health. Understanding these benefits can help motivate us to take this simple yet powerful step toward better health.
The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that are expected to circulate each flu season. By stimulating your immune system to recognize and fight these viruses, the vaccine significantly reduces your risk of contracting the flu. This is not just about avoiding a week of fever and body aches; the flu can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.
Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, your odds of having a milder version increase substantially. It’s vitally important for vulnerable patients to avoid hospitalization and getting vaccinated helps in that regard.
Beyond preventing the flu itself, vaccines may also play a role in preventing dementia. An AARP online article titled “Can Vaccinations Save Your Brain,” published October 16, 2023, says, “In recent years, studies have found that those who get vaccinated for the flu and other infectious diseases appear less likely than their unvaccinated counterparts to get dementia — although it’s unclear what happens in the brain to cause this. One theory some experts have is that infection plays a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease and that vaccinations may help stave off these infections.”
In 2010, the Journal of Neurology published an article titled "Influenza and Neurological Complications: A Review,” which highlighted the flu vaccine’s potential impact on brain health. The article stated, “Influenza has been linked to an increased risk of neurological complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and exacerbations of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. This connection is concerning because inflammation from infections can contribute to cognitive decline.”
Other studies point to the importance of other vaccines as well for brain health. Researchers at University of Texas Health in Houston reported in 2023 that “Prior vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria, with or without pertussis (Tdap/Td); herpes zoster (HZ), better known as shingles; and pneumococcus (pneumonia) are all associated with a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.” Similarly, a meta-analysis published in 2022 in Frontiers in Immunology reported that individuals who received multiple vaccines (e.g., Tdap/Td, HZ, and pneumococcus) and more annual influenza vaccinations were less likely to develop dementia.
In addition to individual protection and prevention, vaccines also contribute to community health. When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, making it less likely for the virus to spread. This is particularly important for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants under six months or individuals with certain medical conditions. By participating in vaccination efforts, you're contributing to a safer environment for everyone.
As flu season approaches, consider the broader implications of vaccination and talk to your health care provider about the best options for you. In doing so, you’re not only safeguarding your own health but also supporting community well-being.
Although the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry doesn’t currently have studies on this topic, we are adding new studies on a regular basis. Watch for study opportunity announcements and visit our Find a Study page.
We want your feedback on a potential new clinical trial! Researchers are interested in studying whether a currently available vaccine, used widely around the world, might be able to delay the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Take our one-question survey.
