High-Fat Cheese Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

New research indicates that consuming high-fat cheeses, such as brie, may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. A study conducted by Swedish researchers tracked the health and dietary habits of over 27,000 middle-aged adults for 25 years, revealing promising correlations between high-fat dairy intake and cognitive health.

The study found that individuals who consumed approximately 20 grams of high-fat cream daily, equivalent to about one and a half tablespoons, exhibited a 16 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not consume high-fat cream. Likewise, participants who ate around 50 grams of cheese each day experienced a 13 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those who limited their intake to less than 15 grams daily.

Study Findings on High-Fat Dairy and Cognitive Health

Researchers noted that high-fat cheeses, defined as those containing more than 20 percent fat, include varieties such as cheddar, parmesan, and stilton. Professor Emily Sonestedt, an expert in nutrition and public health at Lund University and co-author of the study, stated, “Our study found that some high-fat dairy products may actually lower the risk of dementia, challenging some long-held assumptions about fat and brain health.”

The findings were published in the journal Neurology, where scientists reported that the participants who consumed more high-fat cheese had a remarkable 29 percent lower risk of vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. This form of dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages brain cells.

Further analysis indicated a lower risk of Alzheimer’s among individuals who consumed more high-fat cheese, but this was primarily observed in those without the APOE e4 gene variant, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

While these findings are noteworthy, experts not involved in the research have urged caution. Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow cautioned that the observational nature of the study limits definitive conclusions. He emphasized that those who consumed more high-fat cheese and cream tended to have higher education levels, which could correlate with other healthy lifestyle choices contributing to lower dementia rates.

Contextualizing the Findings and Recommendations

Experts agree that maintaining a healthy weight, managing alcohol consumption, and controlling blood pressure are critical in reducing dementia risk. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the need for a balanced approach to diet and lifestyle changes, noting that “strong evidence from across the field indicate that healthy diet, exercise, and cognitively stimulating activities can boost brain resilience to diseases that cause dementia.”

Dementia currently affects approximately one in eleven people over the age of 65 in the United Kingdom, claiming around 76,000 lives annually and costing the UK economy a staggering £42 billion each year. The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that this figure could double by 2040.

In light of these findings, the Daily Mail has initiated the Defeating Dementia campaign, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society, to enhance awareness, diagnosis, and care for dementia. Researchers suggest that nearly 45 percent of all dementia cases may be preventable, highlighting the importance of proactive health measures to prolong healthy living.

This study opens a conversation around dietary fat’s role in brain health, yet further research is essential to clarify the relationship between high-fat dairy consumption and dementia risk.