REVIEW PAPER
Neuroprotective function of Finnish sauna as a shield against Alzheimer's disease
1
Oddział Endokrynologii, Diabetologii i Chorób Wewnętrznych, Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. T. Marciniaka –
Centrum Medycyny Ratunkowej we Wrocławiu, Polska
2
Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. T. Marciniaka – Centrum Medycyny Ratunkowej we Wrocławiu, Polska
3
Klinika Chorób Skórnych i Wenerycznych, Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Kliniczny nr 1 im. prof. Tadeusza Sokołowskiego Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Szczecinie, Polska
4
Poradnia Lekarza POZ dla Dorosłych, Miejskie Centrum Medyczne im. dr. Karola Jonschera, Łódź, Polska
5
Zakład Diagnostyki Obrazowej i Radiologii Interwencyjnej, Wielospecjalistyczny Szpital Wojewódzki w Gorzowie Wlkp.
Sp. z o.o., Polska
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Corresponding author
Jakub Szczot
Oddział Endokrynologii, Diabetologii i Chorób Wewnętrznych, Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. T. Marciniaka- Centrum Medycyny Ratunkowej we Wrocławiu, Gen. Augusta Emila Fieldorfa 2, 54-049, Wrocław, Polska
Oddział Endokrynologii, Diabetologii i Chorób Wewnętrznych, Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. T. Marciniaka- Centrum Medycyny Ratunkowej we Wrocławiu, Gen. Augusta Emila Fieldorfa 2, 54-049, Wrocław, Polska
Med Srod. 2024;27(3):120-126
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
Environmental toxicology (physical, chemical and biological factors)Health effects of social factors
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Sauna bathing, a tradition deeply embedded in Finnish culture, serves as a form of relaxation and rejuvenation. Research suggests that regular sauna use reduces the risk of various conditions, including Alzheimer‘s disease (AD), a primary cause of dementia. In view of the global aging of the population, there is a notable increase in the incidence of AD which significantly affects patients, their families, and public health institutions. It is estimated that between one-third and one-half of AD cases are preventable, highlighting the importance of preventive interventions. The aim of this study is to review the current knowledge on the effect of regular Finnish sauna bathing on the risk of developing AD.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge:
Currently, approximately 55 mln people worldwide suffer from AD, with projections indicating this number will reach 152 mln by 2050. The costs of caring for AD patients in 2020 in the USA amounted to 305 billion, projected to rise to 1.1 trillion by 2050. WHO prioritizes dementia as a public health concern. Extensive research has highlighted that the sauna culture brings about many health benefits conducive to healthy aging, contributing to its increasing popularity. Furthermore, regular thermal sessions may serve as a health-promoting factor enhancing the effects of positive habits, such as physical activity, and could represent an additional strategy for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
Summary:
Research indicates that regular sauna use has the potential in AD prevention. Considering the lack of effective treatment and the aging of the population, it is essential to promote pro-health behaviours that can reduce the risk of developing this condition. The presented scientific data set a promising direction for further clinical research aimed at reducing AD incidence.
Sauna bathing, a tradition deeply embedded in Finnish culture, serves as a form of relaxation and rejuvenation. Research suggests that regular sauna use reduces the risk of various conditions, including Alzheimer‘s disease (AD), a primary cause of dementia. In view of the global aging of the population, there is a notable increase in the incidence of AD which significantly affects patients, their families, and public health institutions. It is estimated that between one-third and one-half of AD cases are preventable, highlighting the importance of preventive interventions. The aim of this study is to review the current knowledge on the effect of regular Finnish sauna bathing on the risk of developing AD.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge:
Currently, approximately 55 mln people worldwide suffer from AD, with projections indicating this number will reach 152 mln by 2050. The costs of caring for AD patients in 2020 in the USA amounted to 305 billion, projected to rise to 1.1 trillion by 2050. WHO prioritizes dementia as a public health concern. Extensive research has highlighted that the sauna culture brings about many health benefits conducive to healthy aging, contributing to its increasing popularity. Furthermore, regular thermal sessions may serve as a health-promoting factor enhancing the effects of positive habits, such as physical activity, and could represent an additional strategy for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
Summary:
Research indicates that regular sauna use has the potential in AD prevention. Considering the lack of effective treatment and the aging of the population, it is essential to promote pro-health behaviours that can reduce the risk of developing this condition. The presented scientific data set a promising direction for further clinical research aimed at reducing AD incidence.
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