A long-running study in Sweden suggests that people who regularly eat full-fat cheese and cream may be less likely to develop dementia later in life.
High-fat cheeses contain more than 20% fat and include familiar varieties like cheddar, Brie and Gouda.
High-fat creams usually contain 30-40% fat, covering products like whipping cream, double cream and clotted cream.
Emily Sonestedt, PhD, of Lund University in Sweden, explains in the report that cheese has at times been labeled as unhealthy.
However, this study found that fatty cheeses and creams just might lower dementia risk.
The Study and Its Participants
The research team tracked 27,670 adults in Sweden over about 25 years. Participants were, on average, 58 at the start, and 3,208 people were diagnosed with dementia during the follow-up period.
To assess dietary habits, participants recorded everything they ate over a week and answered questions about how often they consumed specific foods in previous years.
Researchers also discussed cooking and preparation methods with participants.
One focus was on high-fat cheese. Researchers compared people eating 50 grams or more per day with those eating less than 15 grams. Fifty grams equals roughly two slices of cheddar or half a cup of shredded cheese.
By the end of the study, 10% of participants who ate higher amounts of high-fat cheese developed cognitive impairment, compared with 13% of those who ate less.
The subjects’ age, gender, overall diet quality and even education were adjusted for, yet that 13% figure still stood as an average across the board.
This correlation was strongest for vascular dementia, with a 29% lower risk among those who consumed more high-fat cheese.
There was also some indication of a lower Alzheimer’s risk, but only in participants who didn’t carry the APOE e4 gene variant.
The study also examined high-fat cream. People who consumed 20 grams or more per day — about 1.4 tablespoons — had a 16% lower risk of dementia compared with those who didn’t consume cream.
Adjustments for health and lifestyle factors were made, ensuring that the link wasn’t explained by other behaviors.
Not All Dairy Shows the Same Effect
Interestingly, other dairy foods didn’t show similar benefits. Low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, milk, butter and fermented dairy like yogurt, kefir or buttermilk were not linked to dementia risk.
This indicates that not all dairy is the same when it comes to brain health. The team was not able to demonstrate why this is, but the report says that further research is needed.
Study Limitations and Next Steps
One limitation of the study is that all participants lived in Sweden, so results may not apply elsewhere.
Dietary habits differ between countries. In Sweden, cheese is often eaten uncooked, whereas in the U.S., cheese is frequently cooked or served with meat.
In other words, you shouldn’t get the idea that eating more cheeseburgers or pizza will preserve brain function as you age.
