Steam rooms have so many health benefits, some more well-known than others. A lot of these benefits are in the treatment of existing conditions, and many of the benefits are preventative. One of the conditions that steam room use can help to prevent, that’s a little less known, is Alzheimer’s disease.
A factor that is currently believed to contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease is the build-up of misfolded proteins. These proteins, such as beta amyloid, may play a major role in the onset of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including the aforementioned Alzheimer’s disease. Recent research has shown that steam room use can potentially help reduce this cause.
Regular steam room use increases the levels of HSPs and FOXO3 in the body. Recent research suggests that these levels contribute to the repair of misfolded proteins. The proteins are restored to their original structures. The misfolded proteins tend to clump together and form plaques. These plaques lead to a variety of conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. As the misfolded proteins are also believed to play a part in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, this means that steam room use could potentially reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
A recent Finnish study has shown promising results in relation to the relationship between steam rooms and Alzheimer’s disease. The study followed over 2,000 men over the course of a 20-year period. It compared a variety of factors, including steam room use. Those in the group that used steam rooms 2 to 3 times per week showed better results than a group that used steam rooms once per week. The more frequent use group showed a 22 percent reduction in their risk of developing dementia, and a 20 percent reduction in their risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study measured many other common factors and adjusted for these, in order to be accurate.
The study showed that there were even greater results seen with more frequent sauna use. A number of the participants used steam rooms 4 to 7 times per week. This group had a 66 percent reduction in risk of dementia and 65 percent reduction is risk of Alzheimer’s, over those who only used the steam room once per week. The increase in risk reduction with increased steam room use is truly staggering. The study did not include a more frequent use group than the 4 to 7 use per week, but it clearly demonstrates that daily or near-daily steam room use could greatly contribute.
Steam room use has so many health benefits to be enjoyed by all. It offers an easy access experience that revitalizes and energizes. They are a great way to relax and a very low impact treatment option for those in the age groups prone to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Using a steam room is a way to enjoy yourself, while also getting the most out of the many health benefits. The research so far is very promising, but not necessarily conclusive admittedly regarding whether a steam room prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Evidently, with any major conditions like these, if you know you’re at a higher risk, it’s best to consult a doctor to develop a proper plan. Based off this evidence and anecdotal experience from others, steam room use could easily be a part of that plan.