Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Can Eating Cheese Reduce Dementia Risk? Scientists Find A Surprising Link

eating cheese dementia risk

<strong><span rel="noindex">Cheese And <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">Dementia</a> Risk</span>: </strong>One of the world’s most loved foods may offer an unexpected benefit for brain health. A long-term study has shown that regularly eating high-fat cheese is linked to a lower chance of developing <span>dementia</span>.

The findings come from research published December 17 in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Scientists in Sweden examined dietary information from roughly 27,600 participants in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, who were followed for an average of 25 years, and discovered a surprising connection between cheese consumption and dementia risk.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Cheese And Dementia</span> Risk: Eating Cheese Linked To Lower Dementia Risk</h2>

High-fat cheeses and cream may help reduce the risk of dementia, according to a new study. Published in Neurology, the research found that individuals who included two servings of high-fat cheese in their daily diet were less likely to develop dementia. Participants who ate 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese per day had a 13% lower risk compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams, the study reported. Similarly, people who included more high-fat cream in their diet had a 16% lower risk than those who had none, as per USA Today.

While the study shows an association between high-fat cheese and cream and reduced dementia risk, it does not prove that eating these foods directly prevents the condition. “This does not prove that cheese prevents dementia, but it does challenge the idea that all high-fat dairy is harmful for the brain,” said study co-author Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition researcher at Lund University in Sweden, where the Malmö Diet and Cancer study is based, in an interview with USA TODAY. “For most people, it means that enjoying cheese in reasonable amounts, as part of a balanced diet, does not appear harmful and may even have some benefit.”

<h2>Cheese And Dementia Risk: Which High-Fat Cheeses Were Linked To Lower Dementia Risk In The Study?</h2>

The Swedish research specifically linked daily intake of high-fat cheeses—Brie, Gouda, and Cheddar—to a lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who consumed at least 50 grams of these cheeses each day experienced a 13% drop in dementia risk compared to those who ate smaller amounts.

The study also noted reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease in certain genetic groups, though the researchers caution this does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Rather, it challenges the assumption that all high-fat dairy negatively affects brain health. Experts highlight that including these cheeses in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, could be beneficial.

Importantly, how cheese fits into a person’s overall diet may influence dementia risk. Sonestedt pointed out that U.S. dietary habits differ from Sweden’s, where cheese is often eaten uncooked, while in the U.S., it’s frequently heated or paired with meat. “A person’s overall dietary context matters,” she said. “Cheese eaten on a hamburger or with processed meat is very different from cheese eaten with healthier foods. We are not suggesting people switch to high-fat cheese as a strategy.”

Cheese could still be a healthier alternative in some cases. “Choosing cheese instead of a hotdog may be a step in the right direction,” said Yeh, “but the broader body of evidence suggests there are even better options for supporting cognitive health.”

The findings arrive as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again commission pushes to reintroduce whole milk in schools, despite ongoing questions about the health impact of saturated fats in milk.

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Cheese And Dementia Risk: One of the world’s most loved foods may offer an unexpected benefit for brain health. A long-term study has shown that regularly eating high-fat cheese is linked to a lower chance of developing dementia.The findings come from research published December 17 in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Scientists in Sweden examined dietary information from roughly 27,600 participants in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, who were followed for an average of 25 years, and discovered a surprising connection between cheese consumption and dementia risk.Cheese And Dementia Risk: Eating Cheese Linked To Lower Dementia RiskHigh-fat cheeses and cream may help reduce the risk of dementia, according to a new study. Published in Neurology, the research found that individuals who included two servings of high-fat cheese in their daily diet were less likely to develop dementia. Participants who ate 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese per day had a 13% lower risk compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams, the study reported. Similarly, people who included more high-fat cream in their diet had a 16% lower risk than those who had none, as per USA Today.While the study shows an association between high-fat cheese and cream and reduced dementia risk, it does not prove that eating these foods directly prevents the condition. “This does not prove that cheese prevents dementia, but it does challenge the idea that all high-fat dairy is harmful for the brain,” said study co-author Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition researcher at Lund University in Sweden, where the Malmö Diet and Cancer study is based, in an interview with USA TODAY. “For most people, it means that enjoying cheese in reasonable amounts, as part of a balanced diet, does not appear harmful and may even have some benefit.”Cheese And Dementia Risk: Which High-Fat Cheeses Were Linked To Lower Dementia Risk In The Study?The Swedish research specifically linked daily intake of high-fat cheeses—Brie, Gouda, and Cheddar—to a lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who consumed at least 50 grams of these cheeses each day experienced a 13% drop in dementia risk compared to those who ate smaller amounts.The study also noted reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease in certain genetic groups, though the researchers caution this does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Rather, it challenges the assumption that all high-fat dairy negatively affects brain health. Experts highlight that including these cheeses in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, could be beneficial.Importantly, how cheese fits into a person’s overall diet may influence dementia risk. Sonestedt pointed out that U.S. dietary habits differ from Sweden’s, where cheese is often eaten uncooked, while in the U.S., it’s frequently heated or paired with meat. “A person’s overall dietary context matters,” she said. “Cheese eaten on a hamburger or with processed meat is very different from cheese eaten with healthier foods. We are not suggesting people switch to high-fat cheese as a strategy.”Cheese could still be a healthier alternative in some cases. “Choosing cheese instead of a hotdog may be a step in the right direction,” said Yeh, “but the broader body of evidence suggests there are even better options for supporting cognitive health.”The findings arrive as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again commission pushes to reintroduce whole milk in schools, despite ongoing questions about the health impact of saturated fats in milk.