Can the flu shot increase the risk of getting Alzheimer's?

At this time, research does not support any concern about the flu vaccine being tied to an increase in dementia risk. Rather, the flu shot often helps protect older adults from serious illnesses and complications that can result from influenza. read more

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the idea that flu shots (or the chemicals within the shots) cause or increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is a common myth and is false. read more

No. The flu shot has nothing to do with dementia. Dementia is caused by protein plaques typically occuring on the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The flu shot is a "strain of flu virus" to ward off the flu symptoms. read more

In fact, a study of more than 4,000 adults in Canada showed that past exposure to several vaccines, including the flu vaccine, was linked to a decreased chance of developing Alzheimer's. Other research has reported that getting an annual flu vaccine was associated with a lower risk of death in the elderly. read more

Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health. In my opinion this data falls way short of establishing a direct causal link between AD and flu shots. I’ve never had a flu shot myself because I rarely get colds or flu. read more