3 March 2026
In a recent video by New Scientist, the intriguing question of whether saunas can lower the risk of dementia is explored. If you're curious about the health benefits of saunas but don't have the time to watch the entire video, we've summarized the key points for you.
The video begins with the creator expressing a personal love for saunas, backed by scientific evidence that supports their health benefits. Here are the three main reasons highlighted:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A significant study conducted in 2018 analyzed the sauna habits and blood markers of inflammation in over 2,000 middle-aged men over an 11-year period. The findings revealed that frequent sauna sessions were linked to lower levels of various inflammatory markers. This is crucial because chronic inflammation is associated with cognitive decline, neurological diseases, and depression.
Heat Shock Proteins: The video discusses how the high heat from saunas triggers the production of heat shock proteins, which help prevent other proteins from misfolding. Misfolded proteins are a common feature in many neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. A massive study involving over 14,000 participants over nearly 40 years found that those who used saunas 9 to 12 times a month had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who used them less than four times a month.
Improved Blood Flow: The high temperatures in saunas lead to the dilation of blood vessels, enhancing circulation, blood pressure, and arterial flexibility. Good heart health is indirectly linked to better brain health. Additionally, saunas have been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood, which is essential for neuron growth. Low BDNF levels are associated with depression and anxiety. In a trial involving 34 men, those who underwent repeated infrared heating sessions reported significantly higher BDNF levels and improved quality of life compared to those who engaged in low-intensity exercise.
The video also touches on the immediate benefits of sauna use. Even in the short term, saunas may enhance mental efficiency and focus. For those without access to a sauna, hot baths might offer some of the benefits, although the evidence is not as strong.
In conclusion, the video by New Scientist provides compelling evidence that incorporating sauna sessions into your routine could be beneficial for both physical and mental health, particularly in reducing the risk of dementia.
Do you like reading content like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll send you a weekly digest of summarised Youtube content