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Full-Fat Dairy Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
5 Feb
Summary
- Regular full-fat cheese and cream consumption associated with reduced dementia risk.
- Dementia risk reduction seen in those without genetic predisposition.
- Yogurt, milk, and low-fat cream did not show a similar protective effect.
A two-decade study in Sweden involving over 27,000 adults has uncovered a potential link between consuming certain full-fat dairy products and a decreased risk of dementia. Researchers observed that regular intake of full-fat cheese and cream was associated with a lower likelihood of developing dementia.
Specifically, individuals who consumed more than approximately 50 grams of full-fat cheese daily experienced a 13 to 17 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. This protective effect was noted particularly in participants without a known genetic predisposition to the condition. The study, published in December 2025, also found a similar trend with full-fat cream.
Participants consuming over 20 grams of full-fat cream daily showed a 16 to 24 percent reduced risk of overall dementia. However, this association was not observed with milk (low-fat or high-fat) or fermented dairy products like yogurt. Researchers acknowledge that individuals who consumed more full-fat dairy also tended to have healthier lifestyles overall.
