Scientists at the University of East Finland followed more than 2,000 middle-aged¹ men for 20 years to find out what factors influenced how many developed cognitive² problems in later life.

东芬兰大学研究人员对2000多名中年男子进行了长达20年的跟踪调查研究，以探明哪些因素会对他们晚年的认知问题产生影响。

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.

他们在研究期间发现，相比每周只蒸1次桑拿甚至频率更低的人，每周蒸4—7次桑拿的人被诊断患上痴呆症的几率会降低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.

这是人们第一次发现蒸桑拿与预防痴呆症之间有相关性，不过，此前也有研究表明，经常蒸桑拿可以降低各种疾病的死亡几率，并且对心脏健康有改善效果。

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

领导此项研究的Jari Laukkaben表示，蒸桑拿对心脏和记忆力的保护机制可能是类似的。

“It is known that cardiovascular health affects the brain as well,” he said. "The sense of well-being³ and relaxation⁴ experience during sauna-bathing may also play a role."

他说：“心血管健康也影响大脑，这已经是公认的了。蒸桑拿让人舒服、轻松，这也能起到一定作用。”

Dementia charities said saunas might work by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.

痴呆协会则表示，蒸桑拿能降低血压，促进血液循环。

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

阿尔茨海默病协会的研究主管Clare Walton博士说：“痴呆症现在是英格兰和威尔士的头号杀手，想办法降低这种疾病的发病率是重中之重。”

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

“据称桑拿可以促进循环，降低血压，这两点对降低痴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.

“现在要降低患病率，最有根据的办法是经常锻炼、健康饮食以及不吸烟。”

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.

英国阿尔茨海默病研究所的研究主管的Rosa Sancho博士还说，“尽管并非所有英国男子都爱洗桑拿，但这项研究还是建议人们一周多洗几次桑拿，以降低患痴呆症的风险。“

“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 detailed⁵ follow-up.

“此类研究虽然无法理清因果关系，但同样还是很有意义的，它们揭示出生活方式可能影响痴呆症的发病率，今后需要更详细的跟进研究。”