Pathogenic Exosomes During Herpes Zoster Mediate Increased Vascular Dementia Risk.
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.
⁃ At the Screening Visit (Visit 1/Day 1), all participants must meet all the following criteria in order to be considered for participation in the study:
• 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.
• Able to provide written informed consent prior to any study procedures. Additional inclusion criteria for Herpes zoster (HZ) participants,
• Present with acute, vesicle-stage HZ that has not been treated with antiviral therapies
• Are willing and have reliable transportation to complete additional follow-up visits at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after initial visit for acute HZ.