Healthy sauna visits Saunas demonstrably reduce the risk of dementia

The regular walk in the sauna protects against dementia and Alzheimer's
Many people use sauna visits for regeneration and relaxation. But such a sauna can definitely lead to completely different health benefits. Researchers have now found that regular sauna visits can help significantly reduce the risk of dementia.

The researchers from the University of Eastern Finland found in an investigation that four to seven weekly sessions of sauna can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 66 percent, compared to people who go to the sauna only once a week. The physicians published the results of their study in the medical journal Age and Aging.

When people regularly go to the sauna, it leads to relaxation for the mind and body. Physicians found that sauna visits can also protect against dementia and Alzheimer's. (Image: nd3000 / fotolia.com)

Physicians study the effects of sauna visits for 20 years
In a 20-year follow-up study of 2,000 middle-aged male subjects, it was found that four to seven weekly sauna visits can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The more frequently the subjects visited the sauna, the lower their risk of developing dementia, say the experts.

Sauna sessions can protect your heart and memory
It has long been recognized by medical professionals that frequent sauna sessions significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and the risk of coronary heart disease or other cardiac events. Sauna sessions seem to protect the heart and memory to a degree. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood, explains author Professor Jari Laukkanen of the University of Eastern Finland.

Sauna visitors live longer
Our cardiovascular health affects the brain. For this reason, the feeling of well-being and relaxation during a sauna visit could also play an important role, adds Professor Laukkanen. Another study had found some time ago that sauna lovers live longer. Regular sauna increases the well-being and can strengthen the immune system in the long term. The exact reasons for the prolonged life are still unclear.

Study examined more than 2,000 men from eastern Finland
The impact of sauna sessions on the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia has been studied in more than 2,000 middle-aged men living in eastern Finland. The study participants were divided into three different groups. One of the groups visited the sauna only once a week. The second group had two to three sauna visits a week. Finally, the last group went to the sauna four to seven times a week, the scientists report.

Experts state greatly reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's
Participants from the last group, who visited the sauna four to seven times a week, had a 66 percent reduced risk of developing a form of dementia, the researchers say. In addition, in these subjects, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease had been reduced by 65 percent compared to people who went to the sauna only once a week. (As)