Roundup: Shingles Vaccine can Delay or Reduce Risk of Dementia; and More News

Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia Risk or Delay Diagnosis, New Study Finds

A new study suggests a common vaccine could be a powerful tool in the fight against dementia. Researchers analyzing health records in Wales found that older adults who received the shingles vaccine were 20 percent less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year period.

The findings, led by Stanford Medicine, offer strong support for the theory that certain viruses affecting the nervous system can contribute to dementia risk. This suggests that a potential measure to delay dementia may already be available.

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in their nerve cells. It can reactivate later in life, particularly in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, causing shingles.

Dementia affects over 55 million people globally. For years, research has focused on factors like plaques in the brain, but this new study explores the link between viral infections and the disease.

Previous studies have hinted at a connection between the shingles vaccine and lower or delayed dementia rates. However, it was difficult to prove the vaccine was the cause. People who get vaccinated often have healthier habits, like better diets and more exercise, which also lower dementia risk. This made it hard to isolate the vaccine's effect.

The research team found a unique "natural experiment" in Wales that helped overcome this challenge. In 2013, Wales rolled out a shingles vaccination program with a strict age cutoff. People who were 79 on September 1, 2013, were eligible for the vaccine for one year. Those who had already turned 80 were not.

This created two very similar groups of people, separated only by a tiny age difference. By comparing the health outcomes of those just under 80 with those just over 80, researchers could see the direct impact of vaccine eligibility. This setup was almost as reliable as a formal clinical trial.

The study looked at the records of more than 280,000 older adults. Over the next seven years, those who received the shingles vaccine had a 20 percent lower chance of being diagnosed with dementia. Researchers checked for other influencing factors but found no other significant differences between the groups. The only clear distinction was the lower rate of dementia among the vaccinated.

Why a ‘Beer Belly’ Could Do More Harm Than Your Weight for Heart Health

A new study reveals that carrying extra weight around your belly—commonly called a "beer belly"—may be more harmful to your heart than overall body weight.

The research, presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, highlights the importance of focusing on abdominal fat as a key risk factor for heart problems, especially in men.

Researchers analyzed heart MRI scans of over 2,200 adults aged 46 to 78, all without known heart disease. They compared two measures of obesity: Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates general obesity based on weight and height, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), which measures abdominal fat by dividing waist size by hip size. The results were striking:

• Abdominal obesity (high WHR) was linked to more harmful changes in heart structure than general obesity (high BMI).
• Men with abdominal fat showed thickened heart muscles and smaller heart chambers, a condition called concentric hypertrophy. This reduces the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and can lead to heart failure.
• These changes were more pronounced in men, possibly due to earlier onset of abdominal obesity or protective effects of estrogen in women.

Why Abdominal Fat Is Risky

Abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, surrounds internal organs and is more dangerous than fat stored elsewhere. It can stress the heart by affecting breathing and lung pressure, particularly in men. Even subtle changes in heart tissue, detectable only with advanced imaging, were observed in men with abdominal obesity—signs of early heart stress before symptoms appear.

How to Measure Your Risk

You can check your WHR at home with a tape measure. Divide your waist circumference (measured at its narrowest point) by your hip circumference (measured at its widest point). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a WHR above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women indicates abdominal obesity and increased heart risk.

What You Can Do

The study’s lead author, Dr. Jennifer Erley, emphasizes that reducing abdominal fat should be a priority for middle-aged adults. Here’s how:

• Exercise regularly: Aim for activities that target overall fat loss.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Seek medical advice: If needed, consult your doctor for personalized strategies.

Doctors are also encouraged to monitor abdominal obesity more closely during checkups to catch potential heart risks early.

Is Your Teen's Smartphone Affecting Their Health? New Study Suggests a Link

A new study suggests that owning a smartphone in early adolescence is linked to a greater risk of depression, obesity, and not getting enough sleep. The research, published in the journal PEDIATRICS, was conducted by a team from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the University of California, Berkeley, and Columbia University.

Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 adolescents across the United States. They found that kids who owned a smartphone at age 12 had higher rates of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep compared to those who did not. For those who got a phone even earlier, the risks of obesity and poor sleep were even higher.

The study also looked at teens who didn't have a phone at age 12 but got one by age 13. This group showed a greater risk for mental health challenges (referred to as psychopathology in the study) and sleep problems compared to their peers who remained without a phone.

"Our findings suggest that we should view smartphones as a significant factor in teen health," said Ran Barzilay, M.D., Ph.D., the study's lead author and a child psychiatrist at CHOP, in a news release. He emphasizes that the decision to give a child a phone should be made carefully, weighing the potential impacts.

While the study highlights risks, Dr. Barzilay notes that smartphones aren't inherently bad for all teens. They can help build social connections, support learning, and provide access to helpful resources. For many families, a phone is also a practical tool for safety and communication. The key is to find a healthy balance.

The researchers did not investigate which specific smartphone features or apps were tied to these health issues. Future studies will explore these details to better understand who might be most vulnerable to negative effects and who might benefit from smartphone use.

Once a teen has a phone, experts recommend monitoring their activity. "It's critical for young people to have time away from their phones to engage in physical activity, which can protect against obesity and enhance mental health over time," said Dr. Barzilay.

For parents navigating this decision, the researchers offer a few practical tips:

• Set Clear Rules: Establish family rules about phone use before giving your child a device. Consider a written agreement to outline expectations.

• Create Phone-Free Zones: Set guidelines for when and where phones can be used, such as during meals, homework, and in bedrooms at night.

• Use Settings and Stay Engaged: Adjust privacy and content settings to filter inappropriate material. Talk regularly with your child about any issues that arise, like sleep disruption, and work together to find solutions.