Could enjoying cheese and cream regularly contribute to better brain health? New research from Japan and Sweden suggests a potential link between consumption of full-fat dairy and a reduced risk of dementia, adding to the growing body of evidence exploring dietary factors in cognitive function. While experts caution that these studies demonstrate correlation, not causation, the findings offer a promising avenue for further investigation into preventative lifestyle measures against dementia [[2]].
A new study from Japan suggests that regular cheese consumption may be linked to a lower risk of dementia. However, researchers caution against drawing firm conclusions at this time.
Maintaining cognitive health is a growing public health concern as populations age, and dietary factors are increasingly recognized as playing a role. A balanced Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is widely considered essential for dementia prevention. Alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, strong social connections, and mentally stimulating activities are also key components of brain health.
While many experts emphasize the benefits of plant-based foods – such as polyphenols found in berries and green tea – a recent Japanese study has sparked interest in the potential role of cheese in cognitive health.
Could Cheese Consumption Really Protect Against Dementia?
According to reports from the DeutschesGesundheitsPortal (German Health Portal), researchers analyzed data from nearly 8,000 older Japanese adults, linking it to information gathered from long-term care insurance questionnaires. The study included individuals aged 65 and older without a prior history of long-term care. Participants were divided into two groups based on their cheese consumption: those who rarely or never ate cheese (less than once a week) and those who consumed it occasionally (at least once a week). The study tracked the incidence of dementia over a three-year period.
The group that consumed cheese reported eating it one to two times per week (72.1 percent). A smaller portion of the group indicated consuming cheese three to four times weekly or more than five times per week. Processed cheese, such as cheese spreads, was the most frequently reported type consumed by participants (82.7 percent), followed by soft white cheese (7.8 percent) and other varieties. Over the three-year study period, 134 individuals in the cheese-consuming group (3.4 percent) and 176 in the “no-cheese” group (4.5 percent) developed dementia.
The absolute risk difference was 1.06 percentage points, according to the DeutschesGesundheitsPortal. Occasional cheese consumption was associated with a 24 percent reduction in dementia risk. The study authors noted that these findings align with previous observations suggesting potential cognitive benefits from dairy products. However, they emphasize that the study only provides indications and does not prove a causal link between cheese consumption and reduced dementia risk. Other factors, such as a healthier lifestyle among those who eat cheese, could have influenced the results.
Another study conducted in Sweden also suggests that higher-fat cheeses may have a protective effect. According to t-online.de, consuming one to two slices of cheese daily could be beneficial for brain health. For the study, researchers followed approximately 27,000 adults over a 25-year period.
At the start of the study, participants were an average of 58 years old. They kept detailed food diaries, completed questionnaires, and participated in interviews about their eating habits. Over the following 25 years, 3,208 individuals developed some form of dementia. Notably, participants who consumed more than 50 grams of high-fat cheese daily – such as two slices of cheddar or Gouda – had a 13 percent lower risk of developing dementia. For vascular dementia, caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, the risk was even 29 percent lower.
Swedish Study Also Provides Evidence of Protective Effect of Cheese
Researchers also found another connection with cream: individuals who consumed about one to two tablespoons daily had a 16 percent lower risk of dementia. However, experts also advise caution in this case, as the study only shows a statistical association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Especially considering that diet was only assessed at the beginning of the study and it is highly likely that eating habits changed over time. “Other lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, or smoking were also not constantly monitored,” t-online.de reports.
The benefits of high-quality fats, such as those found in nuts, various plant oils, and fish, are undeniably positive.
