Medications and vaccines lowering dementia risk

6 MEDICATIONS THAT INCIDENTALLY LOWER THE INCIDENCE OF DEMENTIA (from the New York Times yesterday) There is a wonderful article in the New York Times from yesterday that I am summarizing . The article suggests that several common vaccines and medications may be linked with a lower risk of dementia, but the strength of evidence varies. A key caution is that many findings are observational, so researchers are still trying to separate true biological protection from “healthy user bias,” where people who get vaccines or take medications may also have better overall health habits. 1. Flu vaccine: Annual flu vaccination has been associated with lower dementia risk in older adults, with one study showing up to a 40% lower risk. A newer study found that the high-dose flu vaccine for adults 65+ was linked with even lower Alzheimer’s risk than the standard-dose shot. 2. Shingles vaccine: This has some of the strongest evidence. Studies from several countries show about a 15–20% lower dementia risk, and the newer Shingrix vaccine may offer even greater benefit, possibly especially in women. 3. Cholesterol medications / statins: Statins are associated with about a 10–15% lower dementia risk, likely because controlling cholesterol may protect blood vessels and brain health. However, trial results have been mixed, so they are not currently used solely for dementia prevention. 4. Blood pressure medications: Hypertension drugs are also linked with about a 10–15% lower dementia risk. This makes biological sense because high blood pressure is a known dementia risk factor, but researchers are still studying how much benefit comes directly from the medication. 5. Anti-inflammatory drugs: Because inflammation contributes to Alzheimer’s disease, these drugs are biologically plausible, but the evidence is inconsistent. Some studies suggest benefit with ibuprofen, while others show no benefit or possible harm; a Cochrane review found no evidence to support aspirin or NSAIDs for dementia prevention. 6. Diabetes drugs: Metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors may modestly lower dementia risk, likely through better blood sugar and insulin control. GLP-1 drugs initially looked promising in observational studies, but recent trials of oral semaglutide did not slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients, so more research is needed.