The Independent reports that scientists at the University of Cambridge in the UK have shown that swimming in cold water can delay the onset of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The researchers found, that many of the cold water swimmers they followed from 2016 to 2018 had elevated cold shock protein (RBM3) levels. Previous experiments in mice have shown that RBM3 can save rodents from developing dementia.
Experts have compared swimmers to people who practice tai-chi remedial gymnastics and rarely catch colds.
Only the former showed an increase in cold shock proteins. These compounds, which play an important role in adaptation to low temperatures, are present in large quantities in the body of plants and cold-blooded animals, but have also been found in mammals, including humans.
The researchers hope, that the results of scientific work will allow in the future to develop new means of preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
The National Health Service estimates that 850,000 people suffer from dementia only in the UK.
