長期研究證明 常蒸桑拿可預防癡呆症

Visiting the sauna regularly could reduce the risk of dementia, a new study has found.

一項最新研究發現，經常蒸桑拿可以降低患上癡呆症的風險。

Scientists at the University of East Finland followed more than 2,000 middle-aged men for 20 years to find out what factors influenced how many developed cognitive problems in later life.

東芬蘭大學的研究人員對2000多名中年男子進行了長達20年的跟蹤研究，以揭示哪些因素會對他們晚年的認知問題產生影響。

They found that those who used the sauna between four and seven times a week were 66 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia during the study period compared with those taking a sauna just once a week or less.

他們發現，在研究期間，相比每週只蒸1次桑拿甚至頻率更低的人，每週蒸4到7次桑拿的人被診斷患上癡呆症的機率要低66%。

It is the first time that anyone has found a link between sauna use and dementia although previous studies have shown that regular use reduces the risk of dying from all causes and seems to improve heart health.

這是人們第一次發現蒸桑拿與預防癡呆症之間有關聯，不過，此前有研究表明，經常蒸桑拿可以降低各種疾病的死亡機率，並且對心臟健康有改善效果。

Professor Jari Laukkaben, the study leader, said that sauna bathing may protect both the heart and memory in similar ways.

領導此項研究的傑瑞·路卡本教授表示，蒸桑拿對心臟和記憶力的保護機制可能是類似的。

"It is known that cardiovascular health affects the brain as well," he said. "The sense of well-being and relaxation experience during sauna-bathing may also play a role."

他說："心血管健康也影響大腦，這已經是公認的了。蒸桑拿給人以舒服、放鬆感，這也能起到一定作用。"

Dr Clare Walton, Research Manager at the Alzheimer's Society said: "With dementia now the biggest killer across England and Wales, finding ways to reduce the risk of developing the condition is a top priority.

阿茨海默症協會的調研經理克萊爾·沃爾頓博士表示："癡呆症已是整個英格蘭和威爾士的最大殺手，設法降低癡呆症的風險是重中之重。"

"Saunas are thought to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, both of which could go some way to reducing your risk of getting dementia.

"桑拿被認爲可改善血液循環、降低血壓，這兩者可能在一定程度上降低患老年癡呆症的風險。"

"Currently the best evidence to reduce the risk of dementia is to exercise regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid smoking."

"現在要降低患病率，目前已證實的辦法就是經常鍛鍊、健康飲食以及不吸菸。"