The shingles vaccine is intended to prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, also known as herpes zoster, but a new study suggests that it could have major secondary benefits. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of developing vascular dementia. The vaccine has also been associated with a significant decrease risk of cardiovascular events and death in