According to a new study from UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), the use of a high-dose flu vaccine in individuals aged 65 and older significantly reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The scientific paper was published in the journal Neurology.
The high-dose flu vaccine refers to a special formula that contains four times more antigen (the active component of the virus) compared to a standard shot. This preparation is specifically designed for people aged 65 and older, as the immune system’s ability to respond naturally declines with age.
A study conducted back in 2022 showed that standard flu vaccination reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s by 40%. However, the latest analysis, based on data from nearly 200,000 participants, revealed that the protective effect is much higher with the high-dose vaccine, reaching 55%. Notably, the preventive impact of the vaccine was found to be particularly strong in women.
From the age of 65, the human immune system responds less effectively to infections. This is why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a specific vaccine for seniors that is four times stronger than the standard one. Experts estimate that due to shortages of high-dose preparations, many older adults still receive the standard dose, leaving them without additional protection.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 7 million people in the U.S. alone as of 2025. According to projections, this figure will double by 2050. Scientists explain that influenza vaccination not only protects patients from viral complications but also represents an affordable and effective strategy for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
