The Shingles Virus May Be Aging You More Quickly

Colorado lecturer experienced cognitive decline after shingles reactivation, case reported in 2010; published as a case study in 2016.

Medical tests did not determine source of cognitive symptoms, brain biopsy and other tests initially failed to identify cause.

Colorado lecturer treated with acyclovir for varicella-zoster reactivation, patient took a course after tests confirmed varicella-zoster reactivation.

Acyclovir treatment led to rapid improvement in cognition, patient's cognitive symptoms resolved after antiviral treatment.

Andrew Bubak stated that varicella-zoster burden is underestimated and the virus is treatable, assistant professor quoted on the underestimated burden and treatability.