Evidence suggests reactivations of the varicella-zoster virus may accelerate aging and raise dementia risk. Now scientists want to know if vaccines and antivirals could help protect the brain.

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is the result of reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which initially causes varicella (chickenpox). Following primary infection, VZV ...

A growing body of evidence suggests the vaccine may also lower risk of stroke and heart attack ...

Vaccine-associated varicella zoster virus infection is rare in adults who are otherwise healthy. Vaccine-associated (V-A) varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are rare in adults, although it should ...

New research suggests shingles infections may increase the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Scientists believe ...

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can cause chickenpox, as well as shingles and severe complications. When one comes into contact with VZV for the first time, the virus enters the body through the airways, ...

Being eligible for a free shingles vaccine was tied to lower dementia risk in Ontario. The findings were similar to those seen in other studies, including a "natural experiment" in Wales. An ...

Two common viruses lie dormant in neurons -- herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Lab models of the human brain show that activation or re-infection of VZV can trigger ...