There have been a number of recent medical reports indicating that shingles shots decrease the risk of dementia.

The most recent study from the University of Southern California concluded that the development of dementia is decreased by approximately 20% during an observation period of seven years in individuals between the age of 70-80.

The shingles vaccine also does what it is supposed to do, which is to decrease the risk of a getting a shingles attack. Studies show that it is about 90% effective.

It also prevents the most dreaded complication at about 90% called Zoster neuropathy. Zoster neuropathy causes severe unremitting life-changing pain. The shot also decreases the risk of monocular blindness, and loss of hearing. Not a bad combination of benefits.

–Ron Asher, North Platte

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