20年跟蹤研究證明常蒸桑拿可預防癡呆症
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.
東芬蘭大學研究人員對2000多名中年男子進行了長達20年的跟蹤調查研究，以探明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.
他們在研究期間發現，相比每週只蒸1次桑拿甚至頻率更低的人，每週蒸4—7次桑拿的人被診斷患上癡呆症的機率會降低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相關性，不過，此前也有研究表明，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Jari Laukkaben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。蒸桑拿讓人舒服、輕鬆，這也能起到一定作用。”
Dementia charities said saunas might work by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.
癡呆協會則表示，蒸桑拿能降低血壓，促進血液循環。
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
阿爾茨海默病協會的研究主管Clare Walton博士說：“癡呆症現在是英格蘭和威爾士的頭號殺手，想辦法降低這種疾病的發病率是重中之重。”
“Saunas are thought to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, both of which could go some way to reducing your risk of getting dementia.
“據稱桑拿可以促進循環，降低血壓，這兩點對降低癡呆症的患病率都有一定作用。”
“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，最有根據的辦法是經常鍛鍊、健康飲食以及不吸菸。”
Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Although sauna bathing isn’t a common hobby for men in the UK, this study suggests men who use saunas several times a week may also have a lower dementia risk.
英國阿爾茨海默病研究所的研究主管的Rosa Sancho博士還說，“儘管並非所有英國男子都愛洗桑拿，但這項研究還是建議人們一週多洗幾次桑拿，以降低患癡呆症的風險。“
“These kinds of studies can’t unpick cause and effect, but they are important for highlighting trends in how lifestyle factors may influence our risk of dementia for more detailed follow-up.
“此類研究雖然無法理清因果關係，但同樣還是很有意義的，它們揭示出生活方式可能影響癡呆症的發病率，今後需要更詳細的跟進研究。”
