Can using the sauna reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease?

Sauna bathing has been a tradition in Finland for thousands of years and is typically used for relaxation. Finnish sauna bathing involves sitting in high temperature (80-100°C) with dry air for a brief period, followed by short periods in a colder environment (e.g., a cold shower or a short stay in ice-cold water). Sauna use has been associated with health benefits, including reduced risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and rheumatic diseases [1]. But can sauna use also reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease?

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS

Unfortunately, there have not been any randomized controlled clinical trials to definitively answer this question. However, there are two observational studies suggesting a link between frequent sauna use and reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

The first study was an observational study of 2,315 healthy Finnish men (age 42 to 60) who were followed up for an average of 20.7 years [2]. Compared to people who used the sauna once per week, those who used it 2-3 times per week and 4-7 times per week had a 21% and 66% lower risk for dementia, respectively. For Alzheimer’s disease specifically, the risk was 20% and 65% lower, respectively. The association between higher sauna use and lower risk for Alzheimer’s/dementia remained true even after controlling for many factors such as age, alcohol consumption, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, and chronic illnesses.

The second study was a larger, longer-term study that included both men and women from Finland. In this study, there were 13,994 men and women (age 30 to 69) who were free of dementia at the time of enrollment and were followed for up to 39 years [3]. Compared to people who used the sauna 0-4 times per month, those who used it 9-12 times per month had a 21% lower risk of dementia after controlling for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors of dementia. But people using the sauna 13-30 times per month did not have lower dementia risk. The most favorable sauna duration and temperature associated with lower dementia risk were 5-14 minutes per session at a temperature between 80 and 99 °C. Higher temperatures (over 100 °C) were in fact associated with an elevated risk for dementia.

The beneficial effects of sauna use have been linked to improved vascular function, reduced inflammation, and reduced blood pressure [1; 2]. Therefore, sauna use may decrease dementia risk by reducing its risk factors, such as hypertension, vascular problems, and inflammation.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Because of the effects on blood pressure and vascular function, people who have low blood pressure or heart disease need to check with their doctor before using a sauna [4]. People with acute infections, asthma, or other breathing conditions should avoid using a sauna [5]. Certain medications, including medications for high blood pressure taken immediately before sauna use, are not recommended as they may amplify the blood pressure-lowering effects of sauna. Because using a sauna increases blood flow, it may increase the absorption of medications administered through skin patches [5]. To avoid dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of water before and after sauna use. Alcohol consumption before or during a sauna session should be avoided [6].

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES

Observational studies suggest a link between higher frequency of sauna use and reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. However, these studies were not designed to prove that sauna use is the cause for the reduced dementia risk. It is also worth noting that both studies were carried out in Finland, where people are exposed to sauna use very early in their childhood, as young as six months old. The protective effects of the Finnish sauna may reflect life-long habits. Health benefits from shorter-term sauna use started later in life are not well-established.

While we wait for more evidence to emerge on sauna use and potential health benefits, here are some tips you can follow based on the existing evidence:

• Talk to your doctor before using the sauna if you have heart conditions or low blood pressure
• Avoid sauna use if you have acute infections, asthma, or other breathing conditions
• Drink plenty of water before and after sauna use
• Avoid alcohol consumption before or during a sauna session
• Aim for sessions that are each 5-14 minutes in duration
• Aim for temperatures that are between 80 and 99 °C
• Follow rules for safety, including any social distancing guidelines required by the operator

 

1. Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK (2018) Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic proceedings 93, 1111-1121.
2. Laukkanen T, Kunutsor S, Kauhanen J et al. (2017) Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and ageing 46, 245-249.
3. Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Rissanen H et al. (2020) Does sauna bathing protect against dementia? Preventive medicine reports 20, 101221.
4. Zaccardi F, Laukkanen T, Willeit P et al. (2017) Sauna Bathing and Incident Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study. American journal of hypertension 30, 1120-1125.
5. Kukkonen-Harjula K, Kauppinen K (2006) Health effects and risks of sauna bathing. International journal of circumpolar health 65, 195-205.
6. Olsson B(2018) [Medical aspects on sauna bathing] Lakartidningen 115.

Get the latest brain health news:

Subscribe