A long-term study has revealed that regularly consuming full-fat cheese may be linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia with age, a finding that challenges some common perceptions about fats and brain health.
According to the study, individuals who consume at least 50 grams of raw, full-fat cheese daily—equivalent to about two slices—have up to a 13% lower probability of developing dementia. The results also showed that consuming 20 grams or more of cream daily was associated with a 16% reduction in risk.
In contrast, the study found little to no significant impact from low-fat dairy products on dementia risk, whether increasing or decreasing it. No clear relationship was observed between risk and the consumption of other dairy products such as milk, butter, or yogurt.
It was noted that the decades-long debate over high-fat versus low-fat diets has sometimes led to cheese being classified as an unhealthy food to be limited. The study’s results offer a different perspective that warrants further research.
The study was based on an analysis of health and dietary data spanning 25 years from approximately 28,000 people in Sweden, more than 3,200 of whom developed dementia during the follow-up period. Participants recorded details of their dietary patterns and meal preparation methods, allowing researchers to link dietary consumption with long-term health outcomes.
The team clarified that cheese classified as full-fat contains 20% fat or more, while cream is considered low-fat if its fat content is below 30%.
Commenting on the results, it was emphasized that some high-fat dairy products may have a potential role in supporting brain health. However, it was also stressed that additional studies are needed, particularly in countries like the United States where cheese is often consumed melted or with meats.
It was noted that these benefits were not observed in individuals carrying the “APOE e4” genetic variant, which is known to be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, indicating that genetic factors remain influential in this context.
