Your World Tonight Shingles vaccine slows dementia, CUSMA hearings, Somali community reaction and more
Dec 3, 2025
In this episode, Jennifer LaGrassa, a CBC reporter, reveals groundbreaking research showing how a shingles vaccine might slow dementia progression. Katie Simpson, a CBC correspondent, dives into the ongoing CUSMA hearings, explaining their potential impact on Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade relations. Meanwhile, Alison Northcott highlights a fascinating study where singing in choirs aids stroke survivors in regaining language skills. The discussions are insightful, tackling health, trade, and community challenges with depth and clarity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shingles Vaccine Shows Potential Brain Benefits
- A shingles vaccine used in Wales may not only prevent dementia but also slow its progression and reduce dementia deaths.
- Researchers compared near-identical groups around an age cutoff to reveal this unexpected protective effect.
Archery And Hope After Diagnosis
- Phyllis Fair, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, took up archery to stay active and involved.
- She already received her shingles vaccine and hopes it could slow decline for her and future generations.
Vaccine Type Matters For Generalizing Results
- The study used the live, weakened-virus shingles vaccine rolled out in Wales in 2013 to infer effects on dementia.
- Canadian experts note the vaccine in Canada is different and needs separate research to confirm similar benefits.