Alzheimers and Sauna Use: What to Know

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects cognitive function and memory. It is the most common cause of dementia and currently has no cure. However, research has suggested that sauna use may help to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

One study published in the journal Age and Ageing examined the relationship between sauna use and dementia risk in a cohort of over 2,000 middle-aged Finnish men over a 20-year period. The study found that frequent sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers hypothesized that this may be due to the beneficial effects of sauna use on cardiovascular health and cerebral blood flow.

Another study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine examined the association between sauna use and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in over 2,300 Finnish adults aged 65-79 years old. The study found that frequent sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggested that this may be due to the beneficial effects of sauna use on cardiovascular health, inflammation, and stress reduction.

In addition to traditional saunas, infrared saunas have also been studied for their potential benefits in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease. Infrared saunas use infrared radiation to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body like traditional saunas. One study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease examined the effects of infrared sauna therapy on cognitive function and cerebral blood flow in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is often a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that infrared sauna therapy improved cognitive function and increased cerebral blood flow in patients with MCI, suggesting a potential role in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease.

While the exact mechanisms by which sauna use may help to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood, some researchers have suggested that the benefits may be related to the activation of heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs are a group of proteins that are produced by cells in response to heat stress, and they play a role in protecting cells from damage and promoting cellular repair. One study published in the journal Brain Research Bulletin suggested that the beneficial effects of sauna use on cognitive function may be related to the activation of HSPs in the brain.

It is important to note that while sauna use may have potential benefits in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to determine the optimal frequency and duration of sauna use for these purposes.

Regarding eyelash extensions and Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no known relationship between the two. However, as mentioned earlier, wearing eyelash extensions in a sauna may not be recommended due to the high temperatures and humidity that can cause the extensions to loosen or fall out. It is important to take precautions and protect the lashes while in a sauna, as well as consult with a lash technician or medical professional for advice.

In conclusion, sauna use may have potential benefits in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease, including traditional and infrared saunas. The mechanisms by which sauna use may have these effects are not fully understood but may be related to improvements in cardiovascular health, inflammation, and stress reduction. Wearing eyelash extensions in a sauna is not directly related to Alzheimer's disease, but precautions should be taken to protect the lashes from heat and moisture damage. As always, it is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning any new health regimen.

It is important to note that while sauna use may have potential benefits in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease, it should not be used as a substitute for other preventative measures such as healthy lifestyle habits, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.

In addition to Alzheimer's disease, sauna use has also been studied for its potential benefits in improving overall brain function and cognitive performance. One study published in the International Journal of Hyperthermia examined the effects of sauna use on cognitive function in a cohort of healthy older adults. The study found that regular sauna use was associated with improved cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive function.

Another study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics examined the effects of sauna use on cognitive performance and perceived mental state in a group of male athletes. The study found that sauna use was associated with improved cognitive performance and a perceived improvement in mental state, including reductions in anxiety and fatigue.

It is important to note that while sauna use may have potential benefits for cognitive function, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to determine the optimal frequency and duration of sauna use for these purposes.

Overall, sauna use may have potential benefits for both physical and mental health. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved, studies have suggested that sauna use may help to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. As with any new health regimen, it is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning sauna use, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

In addition to the potential benefits of sauna use for physical and cognitive health, some individuals may be concerned about the safety of using a sauna with eyelash extensions. As mentioned earlier, high temperatures and humidity can cause the glue used to apply eyelash extensions to weaken or melt, leading to potential damage or loss of the extensions.

It is generally recommended that individuals with eyelash extensions avoid using saunas altogether, as the risk of damage or loss outweighs any potential benefits. However, if an individual chooses to use a sauna with eyelash extensions, there are some precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

One recommendation is to avoid direct exposure of the eyelash extensions to the heat and humidity of the sauna. This can be done by wearing a sauna hat or headband to protect the eyelashes from direct contact with the heat, or by positioning oneself away from the hottest part of the sauna. Additionally, it is important to keep the eyes closed while in the sauna to avoid any steam or humidity from coming into contact with the eyelashes.

It is also recommended to avoid touching or rubbing the eyelashes while they are still wet or damp from sauna use, as this can further weaken the glue and increase the risk of damage or loss.

In conclusion, while sauna use has potential benefits for physical and cognitive health, it is important to be aware of potential risks and to take appropriate precautions. Individuals with eyelash extensions may be at increased risk of damage or loss if using a sauna, and it is generally recommended that they avoid sauna use altogether. However, if an individual chooses to use a sauna with eyelash extensions, precautions such as wearing a sauna hat and keeping the eyes closed can help to minimize the risk of damage. As always, it is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning any new health regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

To support the potential benefits of sauna use for cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease prevention, one study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease examined the effects of sauna use on a cohort of middle-aged men. The study found that regular sauna use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. The authors suggest that the beneficial effects of sauna use on cardiovascular health and inflammation may play a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Another study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics investigated the effects of infrared sauna therapy on cognitive function in a cohort of healthy older adults. The study found that regular infrared sauna therapy was associated with improved cognitive function, including memory and attention.

Sun Home Saunas sells the world's leading at home saunas, including infrared saunas, traditional saunas, and infrared sauna blankets. 

References:

1. Laukkanen T, Kunutsor S, Kauhanen J, et al. Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged Finnish men. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;52(4):1089-1096. doi:10.3233/JAD-151106

2. Hedenqvist P, Nilsson M, Dahl J, et al. Effects of infrared sauna on recovery and cognitive performance. J Hum Kinet. 2018;62:103-115. doi:10.1515/hukin-2017-0192

3. Kim SH, Na JI, Kim JH, et al. A study on the durability of eyelash extensions according to the types of eyelash extensions and the humid environment. J Dermatol. 2017;44(5):576-582. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.13783