Can Swimming in Cold Water Cure Dementia?

More on: Over Supplementation of Vitamin D May Slow Progression of Frailty 

After years of study, scientists have finally found the link between brain health and the so-called "polar bear plunge." 

Scientists suggested that daily swimming in cold water can guard the brain against the development of dementia.

A study of 40 people who swam in the cold waters of Parliament Hill Lido in north London throughout the winter months led to the discovery of a "cold-shock" protein that has been shown to be elevated in their blood profiles. 

These elevated levels were found to protect against degenerative conditions.

Researchers from Cambridge University have observed the blood profiles of these regular winter-time swimmers and were able to identify a protein that can slow the onset of dementia in mice and even repair some of the damage brought on by the disease.

In the past 10 years, doctors have studied the healing effects and protective benefits of cold environments on certain ill patients but could not find any connection.

These recent findings can be a medical breakthrough in developing new treatments to delay the onset of dementia. According to Professor Giovanna Mallucci, center director of the UK Dementia Research Institute at Cambridge University, only those swimmers who got cold were observed to have elevated levels of this protein. The aim of the study is to be able to develop a drug that can produce the same effect. 

Previous Study

A study done In 2015 which was published in the journal Nature revealed that when healthy mice were put into a hypothermic state, a temperature below 35 degrees Celsius and carefully rewarmed, they were able to develop a natural boost of RBM3.

According to the Cambridge team, these "cold-shock chemicals" were able to heal damaged neurons that resulted from the initial shock. Whereas those mice who were sick to begin with and were artificially subjected to increased RBM3 levels were able to resist vulnerable synapses - or cell connectors - from breaking. This shows that RBM3 might shield the brain from the effects of dementia diseases. 

Their findings were able to somehow explain how hibernating animals, who lose 20% to 30% of their synapses during the winter to preserve energy, are able to regenerate those neural connections when they awaken in the spring.

Because of the dangers of ice baths, it cannot be recommended as a safe treatment. Some patients who have heart problems may experience heart attack or stroke if subjected to cold-shock. This is why scientists are hoping to a safe, artificial method for boosting RBM3.

Polar Bear Plunge

Some people believe that swimming in the ocean during wintertime can boost one's stamina, virility and immunity. But doctors are not convinced because aside from the fact that there is no solid evidence of any physical health benefits from swimming in freezing cold water, the sudden drop in temperature can actually pose danger for people with underlying health issues. 

Polar bear plunges aren't really new. People have been engaging in the contrast between the two extreme temperatures because of the exhilaration and euphoria that accompanies it.  Although this feeling can feel cleansing, but it may not necessarily be improving your health. 

Further reading: Chronic Use of Ibuprofen Can Take Its Toll on the Body  

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