A study published in Nature Communications reported an association between receipt of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) and a reduced risk of developing dementia. The authors used large observational datasets to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts and observed lower dementia incidence among RZV recipients. Investigators cautioned that the analysis shows correlation, not causation, and called for mechanistic and prospective studies to test whether zoster vaccination exerts neuroprotective effects via antiviral immunity or immune‑modulation pathways. The result could prompt vaccine‑trialists and neurologists to design targeted studies.