A neuroscientist discusses the hypothesis that being in the sauna can improve memory recall by sensitizing the mu opioid receptor to the endorphins released during stress response, and refers to studies that showed the binding of dynorphin or other ligands to the kappa opioid receptor can affect that process.
Sauna usage four to seven times a week can reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by over 60%. Sauna-induced vasodilation facilitates blood flow to the brain and improves overall cognition.