(WISH) — More than 10 million new cases of dementia are reported each year worldwide, meaning one new case every 3.2 seconds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates it affects 6.7 million Americans and the National Institutes of Health says 100,000 of them die every y ear. According to studies, cases of dementia will continue to rise. It’s silent and affects your brain. Dr. Jason Littleton, a physician and the CEO of Littleton Concierge Medicine in Orlando, Florida, said, “Dementia is a very devastating disease.” Can a vaccine be the key to reducing the risk? A new study has shown that a shingles vaccine may reduce dementia risk. People who received it were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years. According to Harvard Health, the vaccine may lower dementia risk by reducing inflammation, especially in the nervous system, and altering immune function in a way that protects against dementia. Littleton said not to jump to conclusions. “I think the way to still look at it is, you know, yeah, you should get your shingles vaccine.” The doctor said the best way to reduce dementia is to go back to basics and see it as a potential bonus when taking the shingles vaccine. “Meet with your doctor. Meet with a neurologist. You can even take risk assessments. You want to do everything that you can to make sure that you’re healthy, cognitively healthy and staying active.” Staying health, he said, includes maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood sugar levels, and staying connected with family and friends to help reduce the risk. Another study found that people who receive the shingles vaccine also have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events such as heart failure. The protective benefit of a shingles vaccine can last for up to eight years after vaccination. ...read more read less