Most Adults 50+ Would Get Dementia Vaccine
A USC Schaeffer Center survey found 72% of adults 50 and older would likely or definitely take a hypothetical dementia vaccine.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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A USC Schaeffer Center study of more than 1,500 adults aged 50 or older, published in JAMA Network Open, found that 72% said they would likely or definitely receive a low-cost, multi-dose dementia vaccine. About 20% were unsure, and 7% said they likely or definitely would not get it.
Why it matters
No dementia vaccine is currently on the market, but several candidates are in clinical trials, so public willingness will shape uptake if one is approved. The survey also showed gaps by sex and race, with Black adults and women less likely to say they would definitely get the vaccine.
The survey of more than 1,500 adults found 72% likely or definitely willing to receive the vaccine, while 20% were unsure and 7% were not willing. The study measured stated intent for a hypothetical product, so actual uptake for any approved vaccine is not yet known.
The players
USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics
The University of Southern California research center that conducted the study on public attitudes toward a dementia vaccine.
The details
Participants rated their interest in a hypothetical low-cost, multi-dose vaccine that would cut dementia risk by half for people at high risk. The definite-yes share rose from 31% among people in their 50s to 35% among those 70 and older.
Timeline
The study was published in JAMA Network Open and reported in November 2026.
Health Landscape
Several dementia vaccine candidates are in clinical trials as immunotherapies meant to train the immune system to clear the toxic proteins tied to Alzheimer's disease. This survey measures public willingness before any such vaccine has reached the market, a gap that will matter for adoption if trials succeed.
If a dementia vaccine is approved, adults 50 and older will face a choice about a multi-dose series, and the survey suggests most would be inclined to take it. Those with a family history of dementia may weigh the reported 50% risk reduction for high-risk people when discussing options with their doctors.
The takeaway
Interest in a dementia vaccine is high but uneven, with women and Black adults less likely to say they would definitely get it. Addressing those gaps will matter as candidates move through trials.
Further reading
For more on the disease this vaccine targets, see our Alzheimer's coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by West Newsmagazine.
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