Swedish Study Links Full-Fat Dairy to Lower Dementia Risk

A long-term study from Sweden has revealed a potential link between the consumption of full-fat dairy products, specifically cheese and cream, and a lower risk of developing dementia. Research published in the journal Neurology indicates that individuals who consume at least two slices of high-fat cheese daily may experience a 13 percent reduced risk of dementia, and a 29 percent lower risk of vascular dementia.

The study monitored 27,670 adults in Sweden, who had an average age of 58 at the outset. Over a period of approximately 25 years, participants were assessed for dietary habits and tracked for dementia diagnoses. By the end of the study, 3,208 participants were diagnosed with dementia.

Participants reported their food intake over a week and completed detailed questionnaires regarding their dietary practices in previous years. According to the findings, those who consumed at least 50 grams of high-fat cheese daily—approximately two slices of cheddar—had a significantly lower likelihood of developing dementia than those who consumed less than 15 grams. High-fat cheeses were defined as those containing more than 20 percent fat, while high-fat creams typically ranged from 30 to 40 percent fat.

Key Findings and Implications

The results of the study show that increased cheese consumption correlates with a 13 percent reduction in overall dementia risk. Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition epidemiologist at Lund University and the study’s lead author, stated, “When we went on to look at specific types of dementia, we found that there was a 29 percent lower risk of vascular dementia in people who ate more full-fat cheese.” Interestingly, a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease was also observed, but only among participants who did not carry the APOE e4 gene variant, a known genetic risk factor for the disease.

Additionally, daily consumption of high-fat cream was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of dementia among those who consumed at least 20 grams per day, which equates to about one to two tablespoons.

Despite these promising findings, the benefits did not extend to all dairy products. Sonestedt noted, “Although higher-fat cheese and cream were associated with a reduced risk of dementia, other dairy products and low-fat alternatives did not show the same effect. Therefore, not all dairy products are equal when it comes to brain health.”

Expert Opinions and Limitations

While the study presents intriguing results, experts caution against assuming a direct causal relationship between high-fat dairy intake and reduced dementia risk. Dr. Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society emphasized that lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, a balanced diet, and smoking cessation, play a more substantial role in mitigating dementia risk. He stated, “This research does not show that eating more high-fat dairy products, such as cheese or cream, can reduce our risk of developing dementia.”

Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of Edinburgh’s Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, pointed out another limitation of the study: dietary assessments were conducted only once, 25 years before dementia diagnoses were evaluated. She remarked, “It is highly likely that diet and other lifestyle factors changed in those 25 years.” Spires-Jones added that a consistent healthy lifestyle is vital for brain health, stating, “Strong evidence across the field indicates that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cognitively stimulating activities can boost brain resilience.”

This latest research contributes to the ongoing conversation about diet and cognitive health, but it underscores the importance of a holistic approach to lifestyle choices. As the body of evidence grows, it will remain essential for individuals to focus on overall well-being rather than isolated dietary components when considering dementia prevention.