Flu shot’s influence on possible dementia is good, not bad

DEAR DR. ROACH >> I’ve read mixed reviews as to whether the flu shot can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. I’m anxious to see your input. DEAR READER >> There is no reliable evidence, nor any good biological plausibility, that influenza vaccination increases the risk of either Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. In fact, there are several studies showing a reduced risk of dementia in people who get regular influenza vaccines. I have read well-done studies looking at people with heart failure, people with kidney disease and overall people over age 65 — all show a decreased risk of dementia among those who regularly get the vaccine.

There is a risk in these kinds of studies, because people who get regular vaccines are more likely to see their doctors, have blood pressure and blood sugar well-controlled, eat better and exercise more, all of which help protect against dementia. However, the authors did their best to statistically control for these factors and still found a benefit from regular vaccination.

One might think that reducing the risk of death by influenza vaccination would be enough motivation, but still too few people get the vaccine. Maybe knowing that there is no increased risk, and possibly a decreased risk, for dementia will encourage people to get their vaccine.

Contact Dr. Roach at ToYourGoodHealth@ med.cornell.edu.