A 25-year Swedish study of nearly 28,000 people, published in Neurology, found that higher daily intake of full-fat cheese and cream was associated with a 13% to 24% lower risk of dementia—particularly in those without genetic predispositions—but not for low-fat dairy or those with genetic risks. The findings challenge low-fat dairy recommendations and emphasize overall healthy diets.
Researchers from Lund University, including Yufeng Du and Emily Sonestedt, followed 27,670 middle-aged and older adults (average age 58 at baseline) for 25 years. During this period, 3,208 developed dementia. Food intake was assessed via weekly logs and frequency questionnaires.
Among participants without the APOE e4 genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, consuming more than 50 grams of full-fat cheese daily (e.g., cheddar, Brie, Gouda; >20% fat, about two slices) was linked to a 13% to 17% lower Alzheimer’s risk and reduced overall dementia rates (10% vs. 13% in low-intake group). Over 20 grams of full-fat cream daily (30-40% fat, ~1.4 tablespoons) correlated with a 16% to 24% lower dementia risk, strongest for vascular dementia (29% reduction). No associations were seen for low-fat cheese/cream, milk (fermented or not), butter, or yogurt, nor in genetically at-risk individuals.
"For decades, the debate over high-fat versus low-fat diets has shaped health advice, sometimes even categorizing cheese as an unhealthy food to limit," said lead researcher Emily Sonestedt, PhD. "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. These findings suggest that when it comes to brain health, not all dairy is equal."
The study (Neurology, 2026;106(2)), funded by Swedish organizations like the Swedish Research Council, excluded early dementia cases and adjusted for age, sex, education, diet quality, and lifestyle to minimize biases. Higher cheese/cream consumers were often more educated, slimmer, and healthier overall.
Results contrast with low-fat dairy advice for heart health, given overlaps with dementia risks (hypertension, diabetes, obesity). Prior evidence is mixed: a Finnish study of 2,497 men (22 years) linked cheese to 28% lower dementia risk; Japanese research found none. Asian studies note benefits at low dairy intakes; European ones vary.
Full-fat cheese offers brain nutrients like vitamins A, D, K2, B12, folate, iodine, zinc, and selenium. Researchers stress no single food prevents dementia—balanced patterns like the Mediterranean diet (moderate cheese with fish, fruits, vegetables, grains) are key. Benefits may stem from substitutions (e.g., dairy over processed meats), absent in stable diets. Limitations include Swedish population (uncooked cheese common), self-reported diets, and observational design showing association, not causation. Further research across populations is needed.
