Khaberni - Researchers found that elderly individuals who receive high-dose flu vaccines may be up to 55% less likely to develop Alzheimer's, compared to just a 40% reduction in those who receive the standard vaccine.
The study included nearly 200,000 people aged 65 and older. Its results, published in the scientific journal Neurology, add to growing evidence that routine vaccinations may help protect the brain as we age.
This does not mean that influenza directly causes dementia, but scientists believe the benefit comes from late-life vaccination. As we age, the immune system becomes weaker and less able to fight infections, and chronic inflammation in the body also increases, which is a major driver of brain cell damage associated with dementia. At the same time, cells become less capable of repairing themselves, increasing the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
Here is where vaccines, especially high-dose ones, can play a role by strengthening the immune system in the elderly and reducing inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of dementia. The protective effect was stronger in women, although the reason for this is still unclear.
Dr. Paul Schulz, a Professor of Neurology at the University of Texas, explains that the immune system becomes less effective at fighting infections at the age of 65, and therefore recommends the high-dose vaccine for this age group, which is four times stronger than the regular vaccine.
Dr. Avram Buchbinder of Massachusetts General Hospital adds that choosing the high-dose vaccine could be an easy, safe, and available method for everyone to help protect the brain as we age.
It should be noted that this study was observational, which means it shows a correlation between the vaccine and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's, not definitive proof that the vaccine prevents it directly. Other factors such as the general health of the elderly and their lifestyle could also affect the results.
