The purpose of this observational research study is to study if patients with herpes zoster, also known as Shingles, have a higher risk of vascular dysfunction (problems with blood vessels, including stroke) and vascular dementia (problems with mental decline as a result of decreased blood flow to the brain) compared to patients without herpes zoster.
Patients are evaluated based on the group they are assigned too:
1. Herpes Zoster (HZ) Group: individuals presenting with untreated herpes zoster. These participants will have 6 visits:
* Day 1 = 1st day presenting to clinic with acute zoster * 7 days post zoster * 1 month after Day 1 * 3 months after Day 1 * 6 months after Day 1 * 12 months after Day 1 2. Control Group: individuals without herpes zoster o Day 1 (only 1 visit will be completed)
This study does not have a study medication/device. Standard of care for all patients will be followed.
Be a male or female ≥ 18 years of age.
Present to clinic for routine dermatologic evaluation with or without rash.
Are willing and able to complete study visits and procedures, and able to effectively communicate with the investigator and other study personnel.
Have adequate venous access and are willing to undergo venipuncture for blood draws.
Female individuals who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Receiving systemic or topical antivirals for varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Sensitivity or allergy to systemic or topical antiviral medications for HZ.
History of diagnosed HZ within the last 8 years.
Center for Clinical Studies, Texas
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator