Minnesota Tradition Could Lower Alzheimer’s Risk By 66%

New statistics were released yesterday by the Alzheimer's Association that say for the first time ever, the number of Americans living with the disease is over 7 million. In Minnesota, 101,900 people over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer's.

Minnesota Alzheimer's By The Numbers

WDIO reports on the new findings, and there are some startling statistics. 2,358 people died last year from Alzheimer's disease in Minnesota. Many people suffering from the disease are living at home with relatives, and it's estimated that 166,000 Minnesota residents are serving as unpaid family caregivers.

The study also says that 4 in 5 Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer's disease before having symptoms, and would take medication to slow its progression.

What if there were another way to reduce the risks of Alzheimer's? It turns out that a Minnesota tradition could be an effective method.

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Frequent Use Of Sauna Can Lower Risk Of Dementia Up To 66%

I have heard anecdotally before that saunas are good for your health. Saunas have been popular in Minnesota, brought by Scandinavian immigrants. My Finnish ancestors all had saunas. It was how they warmed up in the cold Minnesota winters.

Some studies have been conducted on the health benefits of saunas. Cognitive Vitality reports that a study of 2,315 healthy Finnish men showed that the more they used a sauna, the lower their risk for dementia. They followed up with the participants after 20 years, finding that those who used the sauna 4-7 times per week lowered their risk of dementia by 66%, and Alzheimer's specifically by 65%.

Why could saunas help prevent Alzheimer's?

Sauna use can improve vascular function, reduce inflammation, and reduce blood pressure, which are all contributing factors to the disease.

Talk to your doctor before using the sauna.

If you have medical conditions, be sure to ask your doctor if it's safe for you to use the sauna. Have sessions that are 5-14 minutes in duration, and aim for temperatures between 176 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit.