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US Seniors Eager for Dementia-Preventing Vaccine
22 Sep
Summary
- Nearly 75% of US middle-aged adults and seniors want a dementia vaccine.
- Existing vaccines like shingles may reduce dementia risk by 20%.
- Interest in dementia vaccines increases with age.
A recent study indicates that skepticism surrounding vaccines in the United States does not appear to extend to brain health. The research found that nearly 75% of middle-aged Americans and seniors would likely or definitely opt for a vaccine aimed at substantially lowering their dementia risk.
Although a vaccine specifically targeting dementia is not yet available, researchers have noted that several vaccines currently on the market have been associated with a reduced risk of dementia. For instance, evidence suggests the shingles vaccine could decrease dementia risk by up to 20%. Other vaccines, including those for RSV, flu, pneumonia, hepatitis, and DTP, have also been linked to a lower likelihood of developing dementia.
The study surveyed 1,529 adults aged 50 and older regarding their interest in a low-cost, multi-dose vaccine designed to halve the dementia risk for high-risk individuals. Interest in such a vaccine grew with age, with about 31% of those in their 50s and 35% of those aged 70 and older stating they would definitely get it.
Disparities in vaccine acceptance were observed. While the shingles vaccine appears to offer greater dementia protection to women, they showed more hesitancy and were less likely to commit to vaccination compared to men. Black adults also expressed higher hesitancy rates and were nearly half as likely as white individuals to definitively accept a dementia vaccine. Researchers suggest that as vaccine options emerge, efforts may be necessary to address hesitancy among specific demographic groups.
