Researchers from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) claim that the flu vaccine has reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Albert Amran, a medical student from McGovern Medical School of the University of Texas told on AAIC on Monday, July 27, that their study suggests getting the flu shot every year "may significantly reduce risk of Alzheimer's dementia."
After analyzing 9,066 people aged over 60, researchers found that a single shot could reduce the risk by 17%, according to The Sun. This rate increases by 13% for those who get annual injection while the benefits are greatest among those who got the flu jab at a younger age.
However, the study does not explain the relation between flu vaccines and the reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, the University of Florida Neurology Professor Dr. Steven DeKosky said the vaccine may have an impact on brain inflammation that could lead to the disease.
DeKosky, who is also UF's McKnight Brain Institute deputy director, claims the vaccine triggers the body's immune system against the flu virus. This activation has advantages to "fight off or slow down the inflammation" that is linked to Alzheimer's.
DeKosky also noted the study provides another good reason to receive the flu vaccine and prevent chaos from happening.
Meanwhile, according to the Mayo Clinic, most scientists claim Alzheimer's disease is caused by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.
Nevertheless, Dr. Zaldy Tan, medical director at the University of California, Los Angeles Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program told USA Today that people who receive regular vaccinations are more likely to get preventive health interventions.
While Amran said more research was needed to explain the link, the Alzheimer's Research UK called the study "intriguing" but it does not imply that "Alzheimer's disease is caused by the common flu."
Read also: Boris Johnson Warns COVID-19 Pandemic Could Last Until Next Summer, Admits the UK Underestimated the Coronavirus
The biggest flu vaccine campaign
Flu season is just around the corner and getting the vaccine may bring more benefits than just viral protection.
According to another report from The Sun, the British government plans to double its winter flu vaccination program giving out 30 million free jabs from only 15 million in 2019. This includes all those aged 50 and over as well as children aged 11.
This is in response to the studies that claim the cold weather would greatly amplify COVID-19 cases and seasonal flu, which may overwhelm the National Health Services (NHS).
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Sky News on Monday, June 27m that he wants "everybody to get a flu jab" before winter.
The government to prioritize schoolchildren up to year 7, pregnant women as well as elderly who are aged 50 and over. Similarly, frontline health and social care workers can also receive the flu vaccine.
Johnson also said that while people get protection from the vaccine, it is also a way to help "protect the NHS" as it would reduce the number of sick people.
Meanwhile, another study from Pittsburgh University claimed that doing puzzles or reading books also delays Alzheimer's as people build up a stronger wall against changes in brainwaves.
