A study from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) has found that frequent sauna bathing is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published in *Age and Ageing* in December 2016, analyzed data from the long-running Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease (KIHD) study, which followed 2,315 men over several decades. Participants were divided into groups based on their sauna habits, ranging from once a week to four or more times a week. The results showed a clear dose-response relationship, where those who used a sauna 4-7 times per week had a 66% lower risk of any form of dementia and a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those who only used a sauna once a week. This research suggests that regular sauna use could have neuroprotective effects, possibly by improving cardiovascular health, which in turn supports brain function.
The study, led by Professor Jari Laukkanen, builds on previous findings that sauna bathing has cardiovascular benefits similar to moderate aerobic exercise, such as increasing heart rate and improving blood circulation. These effects are thought to help protect the brain by promoting the flow of oxygen-rich blood and enhancing neurogenesis. While sauna use cannot replace exercise, the researchers suggest that it could serve as an effective, low-effort alternative for people who struggle to engage in regular physical activity. The study highlights the potential of sauna bathing as a simple and accessible lifestyle intervention to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, especially in aging populations who may find it difficult to commit to rigorous exercise routines.
