A recent study from Sweden indicates that certain high-fat dairy products may significantly reduce the risk of dementia. This research, part of the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, involved data from 27,670 adults aged 45 to 73, who were followed for an average of 25 years. The findings suggest a surprising connection between high-fat dairy consumption and a lower incidence of dementia, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers analyzed dietary information collected through interviews, food diaries, and questionnaires. They categorized dairy products into high-fat and low-fat types, defining high-fat cheese as containing more than 20% fat and high-fat cream as over 30% fat. The study’s main focus was on all-cause dementia, with additional attention given to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Among the participants, those consuming at least 20 grams of high-fat cream daily exhibited a 16% lower risk of developing all-cause dementia compared to non-consumers. This correlation was especially pronounced in individuals who consumed high-fat cheese, suggesting a protective factor against dementia.
Surprising Insights from the Research
Emily Sonestedt, an associate professor of nutritional epidemiology at Lund University, expressed her surprise at the findings, noting that a lower risk of dementia was observed among individuals who consumed more high-fat cheese. While the link to vascular dementia was not entirely unexpected, it raised intriguing questions about dietary impacts on brain health. Sonestedt emphasized the importance of understanding that many dementia cases involve damage to small blood vessels in the brain.
The study also considered various lifestyle factors, including age, sex, education, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and overall diet quality. Notably, individuals consuming at least 50 grams of high-fat cheese daily showed a decreased risk of all-cause dementia compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams.
While high-fat cheese appeared beneficial, the study revealed that high butter intake was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This connection was evident, particularly among individuals without the APOE ε4 genetic risk variant.
Interpreting the Findings with Caution
Despite the promising results, researchers urge caution in interpreting the findings. The study’s observational nature limits its ability to establish direct cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, since the research was conducted in Sweden, where the diet primarily includes hard, fermented cheeses, the results may not be applicable in regions with different cheese types and eating habits.
The study measured dietary intake only once, which may overlook changes over time. Furthermore, the precision of cream intake measurement was less reliable than that of cheese. Sonestedt noted that while adjustments were made for various lifestyle factors, the protective effects of cheese should be viewed in the context of broader dietary patterns and overall lifestyle choices that may contribute to long-term brain health.
The findings were published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and highlight the complex relationship between diet and dementia risk. Researchers acknowledge that some dementia cases may have been missed, and the absence of comprehensive validation for diagnoses after 2014 adds an additional layer of complexity.
Overall, while the research sheds light on the potential benefits of high-fat dairy consumption, it underscores the need for further investigation to fully understand the implications for dietary recommendations and dementia prevention strategies.
