Episode 492: Does the Shingles Vaccine Reduce Heart and Brain Disease?

This week, Dr. Kahn addresses a topic gaining attention in the media: whether taking the shingles vaccine (Shingrix in the USA) may reduce the risk of heart events and dementia. Multiple studies suggest this could be true, although no randomized trials have been performed to confirm it. Furthermore, most of these studies focus on a version of the vaccine that was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020 (Zostavax), making the assumption that Shingrix provides the same benefits somewhat speculative. This is a topic worth discussing with your primary care team. Other topics include controversies in nutrition, B vitamins and stroke risk, and the impact of medications for mild dementia. This episode is sponsored by the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club at getfreshdrkahn.com , featuring a limited $1 offer on high-quality olive oils.

You can listen to Episode 492: Does the Shingles Vaccine Reduce Heart and Brain Disease? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 492: Does the Shingles Vaccine Reduce Heart and Brain Disease? is an episode from Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn by Dr. Joel Kahn.

This episode is 29:09 long.

This episode was published on Apr 21, 2026.

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