Are you concerned you won’t be able to remember your life when you grow older? Look no further than the sauna. A 25-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues determined that regular sauna use (characterized as 4-7 times per week at 176 degrees F for 19 minutes) lowered the risk of both Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
When you are only able to use your home sauna rather than one at the spa or gym, you will find that you’ll use it more consistently. While this reduces stress and may aid in recovery, it also can help lessen the chance of having memory issues such as Alzheimer’s. The same study mentioned earlier found that regularly using a sauna reduces your risk for certain types of dementia.
How can a sauna help with brain function?
When the body is exposed to high heat, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases which improves the growth of new brain cells while protecting existing neurons.
Sweating is another factor as to why saunas help prevent loss of cognitive function. The Alzheimer’s Association includes sweating as an important way to improve brain health. Sweating also releases toxins build up in the body.