Visiting the sauna regularly could reduce the risk of dementia, a new study has found.
一项最新研究发现，经常蒸桑拿可以降低患上痴呆症的风险。
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.
东芬兰大学的研究人员对2000多名中年男子进行了长达20年的跟踪研究，以揭示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.
他们发现，在研究期间，相比每周只蒸1次桑拿甚至频率更低的人，每周蒸4到7次桑拿的人被诊断患上痴呆症的几率要低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关联，不过，此前有研究表明，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.
领导此项研究的杰瑞·路卡本教授表示，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-being and relaxation 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。蒸桑拿给人以舒服、放松感，这也能起到一定作用。"
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.
阿茨海默症协会的调研经理克莱尔·沃尔顿博士表示："痴呆症已是整个英格兰和威尔士的最大杀手，设法降低痴呆症的风险是重中之重。"
"Saunas are thought to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, both of which could go some way to reducing your risk of getting dementia.
"桑拿被认为可改善血液循环、降低血压，这两者可能在一定程度上降低患老年痴呆症的风险。"
"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，目前已证实的办法就是经常锻炼、健康饮食以及不吸烟。"