A study by Knekt et al. (2020) delves into the intriguing relationship between sauna bathing and dementia risk, exploring how varying sauna habits can influence cognitive health. This is one of MANY studies highlighting the benefits of sauna use.
Sauna Bathing: A Finnish Tradition
Sauna bathing is a deeply ingrained tradition in Finnish culture, practiced by people of all ages for its perceived health benefits. The study sought to investigate whether this practice could offer protection against dementia.
Study Findings
The study involved over 13,000 participants who were followed for nearly 40 years. The researchers found that:
- Sauna bathing frequency was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Individuals who enjoyed 9-12 sauna sessions per month had a significantly lower risk compared to those who indulged less frequently. Another study in middle-aged Finnish men echoed these findings, demonstrating a dementia HR of 0.34 in those who used a sauna 4-7 times /week.
- Sauna temperature also played a role. The most favorable temperature range for dementia protection was 80-99°C (176-200 F). Notably higher temperature sessions (> 100C) demonstrated an INCREASED risk of dementia.
- Sauna duration had a suggestive but not statistically significant impact. Staying in the sauna for 5-14 minutes per session showed a potential trend toward reduced risk
Interpreting the Findings
The study’s authors suggest that the physiological effects of sauna bathing, such as improved cardiovascular function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced stress response, might contribute to the observed protection against dementia.
Key Takeaways
- Frequent sauna bathing may protect against dementia, particularly at temperatures between 80-99°C.
- Sauna duration might play a role, but more research is needed to confirm this.
- The physiological effects of sauna bathing could be responsible for the observed cognitive benefits.
Zehn Skin and Health 
Leave a comment