A new study suggests a possible connection between adult vaccines and a low alzheimer’s risk. Researchers believe that immunization could influence the immune system so as to protect the brain.
A new study suggests that certain vaccines could reduce the risk of Alzheimero Photo Archive
The discoveries were recently published online in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study was led by Kristofer Harris, a program manager in the Neurology Department of Uthealth Houston, Yaobin Ling, research assistant at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, and Avram Bukhbinder, MD, a prestigious graduate of the Medical School.
Paul E. Schulz, a neurologist, was the main author of the study. Schulz is a prominent figure in the research of Alzheimer’s disease, focusing in particular on connections between immunization and cognitive health.
This research comes shortly after another essential study by Schulz’s team. Just a year ago, they reported that people who received at least one flu vaccine had a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, compared to those who have never been vaccinated.
Although the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, researchers speculate that vaccines could help reduce systemic inflammation or prevent infections that accelerate cognitive decline.
“We and other researchers assume that the immune system is responsible for brain cell dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s. Discoveries suggest that vaccination has a more general effect on the immune system, reducing the risk of disease development ”.said Schulz.
In order to analyze this hypothesis, the researchers conducted a retrospect cohort study. They examined patients with no signs of dementia in the last two years and who were at least 65 years old at the beginning of an eight -year observation period.
Comparing two similar patients – one vaccinated with TDAP/TD, HZ or pneumococcal vaccine, and the other unvaccinated – the researchers have led to the relative and absolute reduction of the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Using advanced data analysis models, Xiaoqian Jiang, professor at McWilliams School, explained they had obtained “Valuable information on what vaccines could protect against Alzheimer’s.”
Remarkably, people vaccinated with TDAP/TD had a 30% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, compared to unvaccinated ones. Hz and pneumococcal vaccines also had promising results, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s by 25% and 27% respectively.
By putting this data in perspective, Schulz mentioned that the new antibodies, used in Alzheimer’s treatments, only managed to slow down the disease progression by 25%, 27%and 35%.
What are TDAP and TD vaccines
TDAP means tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (convulsive cough). This vaccine provides protection against three diseases:
TETANUS: Caused by bacteria from soil, dust and manure, penetrates the body through cuts or wounds and causes muscle rigidity and spasms.
Diphtheria: A respiratory disease caused by bacteria that cause toxin, leading to severe breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis or death.
Pertussis (convulsive cough): An extremely contagious respiratory disease, characterized by severe coughing seizures that make breathing, nutrition and hydration, being particularly dangerous to infants.
TD means tetanus and diphtheria. This booster vaccine is used to maintain immunity against these two diseases.
