An exceptionally large nationwide study has been launched in Finland to investigate whether there is a causal link between shingles vaccination and a reduced risk of dementia. The study is expected to bring significant progress in the prevention of memory disorders.
Several studies have already found that the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of memory disorders by as much as 20–30%. The FinDementia project, launched last week, is the world’s first randomised vaccine trial designed to reliably demonstrate a causal link behind this observation.
“Dementia is a serious disease and a major public health issue, for which there is currently no preventive treatment. If the preventive effect of the shingles vaccine can be demonstrated, it would represent a medical breakthrough,” says Arto Palmu, Chief Scientific Officer.
The study is conducted by FVR – Finnish Vaccine Research in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of the Shingrix® shingles vaccine. It is currently ongoing at FVR clinics in Helsinki, Espoo, Järvenpää, Tampere, Turku, Kokkola, Seinäjoki and Oulu. In April, the project will also expand to selected wellbeing services counties and pharmacies.
The study aims to recruit an exceptionally large number of participants. The overall target is to include nearly 35,000 participants aged over 76, who will be followed up using health registers. This is the largest clinical drug or vaccine study currently being conducted in Finland, as well as the largest study ever carried out by FVR.
The internationally significant study can be carried out in Finland thanks to the country’s vaccine research expertise, comprehensive healthcare system and unique national health registers.
“The target of nearly 35,000 participants is ambitious, but more than 25,000 of them will receive an effective vaccine that protects against shingles, which in itself promotes public health. The study is highly important as our population ages: already, 150,000 people in Finland are living with a memory disorder, and the treatment of memory disorders costs society at least EUR 3–4 billion each year,” Palmu says.
The FinDementia study is part of a recent research trend exploring the role of neuroinflammation in the development of memory disorders. The study will also assess the effect of the shingles vaccine on other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS.
The Shingrix® shingles vaccine has been in use in the EU since 2018 and is known to provide strong and long-lasting protection against shingles.
For the public – further information and registration:
Tel. +358 20 7423 000, 9:00–15:00 Mon–Thu and 9:00–14:00 Fri
findementia@fvr.fi
findementia.fi
For media – further information and interview requests:
Arto Palmu, Chief Scientific Officer, FVR – Finnish Vaccine Research
Tel. +358 50 549 7113
arto.palmu@fvr.fi
Elina Heinämäki, Communications Lead, FVR – FinnishVaccine Research
Tel. +358 50 4211 090
elina.heinamaki@fvr.fi
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