ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Health

Frequent sauna seems to protect from dementia and Alzheimer’s, new study shows

Finnish people sure love their sauna - and there could be a good reason for that.

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
January 3, 2017
in Health, News
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

RelatedPosts

Eye scan might detect Alzheimer’s disease
Brushing your teeth could prevent Alzheimer’s and other diseases
Long-term memory isn’t stored in synapses, meaning it could be restored even when struck by Alzheimer’s
More than just relaxation: Frequent sauna bathing reduces risk of stroke

It’s not yet clear just how this happens, but a Finnish study suggests that men who frequent saunas are less likely to be diagnosed with dementia later in life.

Image credits: Olaf Tausch.

The study followed more than 2,000 middle-aged men living in the eastern part of Finland. Based on their sauna habits, they were split into three groups: those taking a sauna once a week, those taking a sauna 2-3 times a week, and those taking a sauna 4-7 times a week. Yeah, sauna is very popular in Finland.

Then, scientists from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study correlated dementia with the frequency of sauna visits. Of course, correlation does not imply causality, and this study didn’t focus on the mechanism through which sauna might protect against dementia.

What they found is that the more the men went to the sauna, the less likely it was that they would develop dementia. The same was reported for Alzheimer’s. Among those taking a sauna 4-7 times a week, the risk of any form of dementia was 66% lower and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease 65% lower than among those taking a sauna just once a week.

The same researchers had previously conducted another study on the same data and found that sauna bathing is also associated with lower risk of sudden cardiac death, the risk of death due to coronary artery disease and other cardiac events, as well as overall mortality. It’s not clear at this point if the two studies are related in any way. Professor Jari Laukkanen, leader of both studies, said:

“However, it is known that cardiovascular health affects the brain as well. The sense of well-being and relaxation experienced during sauna bathing may also play a role.”

Journal Reference: Tanjaniina Laukkanen, Setor Kunutsor, Jussi Kauhanen, Jari Antero Laukkanen. Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, December 2016 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afw212

Tags: alzheimer'sdementiasauna

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Health

The world is facing a rising dementia crisis. The worst is in China

byMihai Andrei
1 month ago
Health

This Common Vaccine Seems To Reduce Dementia Risk by 20%

byMihai Andrei
2 months ago
Health

Alzheimer’s Drug Could Induce “Suspended Animation” in Humans to Save Lives in Emergencies

byTibi Puiu
10 months ago
Mind & Brain

Routine, repetitive jobs may put you at higher risk of dementia

byMihai Andrei
1 year ago

Recent news

Astronomers Found a Volcano Hiding in Plain Sight on Mars

June 18, 2025

The US just started selling lab-grown salmon

June 18, 2025

Climate Change Unleashed a Hidden Wave That Triggered a Planetary Tremor

June 18, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.