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Neurological Sciences

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28-08-2023 | Human Alphaherpesvirus 3 | Review Article

The association between varicella zoster virus and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Authors: Juan Gao, Linya Feng, Birong Wu, Weihang Xia, Peng Xie, Shaodi Ma, Haixia Liu, Muzi Meng, Yehuan Sun

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Purpose

The relationship between varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection and the risk of dementia has not been previously studied specifically. Therefore, this study sought to determine the relationship between studying VZV infection and dementia occurring in the general population by conducting an extensive meta-analysis of published cases.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted in seven online databases by October 31, 2022. Heterogeneity was tested by the I² index. Pooled HR and 95% CI were used to estimate the effect of VZV infection on dementia. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias were also performed.

Result

Nine studies involving 3,326,673 subjects were included. VZV infection was associated with an increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.21). The risk of dementia was reduced in those who received antiviral therapy compared to those who did not (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71–0.99). In addition, VZV infection was found to be associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in the pooled results of the moderate quality study (HR = 1.81,95% CI: 1.27–2.59), and this association persisted when subgroup analyses were performed based on region (Asia: HR = 1.18,95% CI: 1.04–1.33).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that VZV infection might increase the risk of developing dementia, but there is no clear mechanism about the true relationship, and since there is no effective treatment for dementia, and our results suggest that some populations can benefit from antiviral therapy, it is at least arguable that patients who develop VZV infection should be treated with appropriate antiviral medications.

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Title: The association between varicella zoster virus and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Juan Gao
Linya Feng
Birong Wu
Weihang Xia
Peng Xie
Shaodi Ma
Haixia Liu
Muzi Meng
Yehuan Sun
Publication date: 28-08-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Human Alphaherpesvirus 3
Dementia
Dementia
Shingles
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-07038-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The association between varicella zoster virus and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Result

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Result

Conclusions

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