Alzheimer’s risk lower in seniors vaccinated for the flu,

A recent study indicates that older adults, with no signs of dementia, who received a flu vaccine were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease within four years of receiving the vaccine than those who were unvaccinated.

The study involved more than 900,000 patients in each group of patients 65 and over with no signs of any brain disease. It revealed that the more annual shots patients received, the lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Approximately 5.1% of flu-vaccinated patients developed Alzheimer’s vs. 8.5% of those who weren’t vaccinated.

Authors of the study believe the cause is not related to the vaccine itself but to a protective effect related to the immune system. Prior studies of flu and pneumonia vaccines have seen similar results. They believe further studies are necessary to determine the effects of the immune system and Alzheimer’s disease. “Studies like this one can have a significant impact on the care of patients. At SpecialtyRx we offer our experience and expertise in addition to pharmaceuticals to help our clients care for their patients,” stated Hema Shaddarshanam, PIC.