Enhancing longevity: the additional benefits of vaccination in older adults
Michael Woodward A *A
Assoc. Prof. Michael Woodward AM MB BS MD FRACP is head of dementia research at Austin Health in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a specialist in geriatric medicine with a major interest in adult vaccination and also Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, wound management and the quality use of medications in older people. The Medical and Cognitive Research Unit that he established conducts trials into new vaccines and other new therapies for conditions such as dementia and influenza. Assoc. Prof. Woodward’s publication record includes over 145 peer-reviewed research and review articles. |
Abstract
Vaccination of older people (over age 60) reduces the impact of some preventable microbial diseases but has additional benefits including reducing cancer, reducing dementia and preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. For instance, one study found herpes zoster vaccination reduces incident dementia by up to 28% over the subsequent 7 years. The mechanisms behind these additional benefits are being defined but likely include reduced inflammation and specific targeting of pathogenic proteins. These additional benefits emphasise the importance of a whole-of-life approach to vaccination.
Keywords: cancer reduction, cardiovascular risk reduction, dementia reduction, enhanced longevity, vaccination.
Assoc. Prof. Michael Woodward AM MB BS MD FRACP is head of dementia research at Austin Health in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a specialist in geriatric medicine with a major interest in adult vaccination and also Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, wound management and the quality use of medications in older people. The Medical and Cognitive Research Unit that he established conducts trials into new vaccines and other new therapies for conditions such as dementia and influenza. Assoc. Prof. Woodward’s publication record includes over 145 peer-reviewed research and review articles. |
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