🧀 Surprising study links cheese to cognition

Long criticized, full-fat dairy products may finally be linked to better brain health. A recent study indeed establishes a link between regular consumption of cheese and cream rich in fat and a reduced long-term risk of dementia, bringing unexpected virtues to these often-criticized foods.

Scientists examined data from more than 27,000 adults in Sweden, followed for about 25 years. Their work, published in Neurology, is based on detailed food registries, allowing analysis of the links between various dairy products and the onset of cognitive disorders over time.


The data analysis indicates that people eating at least 50 grams (about 2 ounces) of full-fat cheese per day, such as cheddar or Brie, show a 13% reduced risk of dementia compared to those who consume less. This amount is equivalent to about two slices of cheese. Regarding full-fat cream, a daily consumption of at least 20 grams (about 0.7 ounces or 1.5 tablespoons) is associated with a 16% decrease in risk. These effects seem specific to these high-fat foods.

Furthermore, the research team also found that this association was clearer for certain types of dementia, notably vascular dementia, where the risk decreases by nearly 29%. On the other hand, other dairy products like milk or butter do not show the same link. These observations suggest that not all dairy products have the same impact on the brain.

However, these observations must be qualified by certain limitations, as the study was conducted in Sweden, where dietary habits may differ from other regions. The authors note that cheese there is often consumed without cooking, unlike in other countries where it is integrated into hot dishes.

In the meantime, these findings invite us to reconsider the place of certain dairy products in the diet. They do not mean that these foods are a miracle solution, but that they could be integrated into a balanced approach. The next steps will involve delving deeper into the reasons for these associations and verifying if they hold true in diverse populations.

The role of fats in the brain

Dietary fats are essential for the proper functioning of the brain, as they contribute to the structure of cell membranes and the transmission of nerve signals. Certain fats, like those found in dairy products, can provide fatty acids and other nutrients that support cognitive functions. A balanced diet including quality sources of fat can thus contribute to maintaining brain health throughout life.

In the case of full-fat dairy products, compounds like vitamin K2 or certain bioactive peptides could explain their potential effects. These substances, present in varying quantities depending on the food, are being studied for their anti-inflammatory or blood vessel-protecting properties. Their presence in cheese or cream, but not necessarily in other dairy products, could justify the observed differences.

Fats are not all identical. Saturated fats, often singled out, coexist with other types in natural foods. The entire diet, including other nutrients like vitamins or minerals, also influences how the body uses these fats. Thus, isolating a single component is not enough to understand its impact on health.