Scientists from the University of Cologne discovered that cold contributes to healthier aging of the body. The results of the research have been published magazine nature aging
The team studied exactly how low temperatures affect body cells. As part of their work, they conducted a series of experiments with human cells grown in vitro and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which is often used to model various neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, scientists analyzed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease, which occurs mainly in old age.
Both of these diseases affect the human nervous system and lead to its deterioration. So amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes the death of nerve cells responsible for muscle function. As a result, muscle weakness and paralysis develop. Huntington’s disease is characterized by choreic hyperkinesia (irregular, involuntary movements), mental disorders, and progressive dementia.
Both diseases cause accumulation of pathological protein clumps in the brain that cause inflammation and lead to the death of neurons. As it turns out, low temperatures destroy these proteins, reducing the risk not only of the neurodegenerative diseases mentioned above, but also of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.