Study finds people who eat certain cheeses are less likely to develop dementia

A new study has linked certain types of cheese with a reduced risk of developing dementia, adding to ongoing research into how diet may impact long-term brain health.

The research, published in the journal Neurology, analyzed dietary habits and health outcomes among tens of thousands of people and found that those who regularly consumed high-fat cheese were less likely to develop dementia than those who did not.

Researchers examined data from more than 27,000 participants and found that people who consumed high-fat cheese had a 13% lower risk of all-cause dementia. Those who consumed high-fat cream showed a 16% lower risk.

What the study found

In the study, high-fat dairy was defined as products containing at least 20% fat for cheese, 30% for cream, and 2.5% for milk and fermented milk. Low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, and other low-fat dairy products showed no significant association with dementia risk.

Cheeses that met the study’s criteria included soft cheeses such as brie and camembert, hard cheeses like cheddar, and semi-soft varieties including Gouda and Gruyère. Blue cheeses, such as Stilton, were also included.

Researchers also observed that participants who consumed more high-fat cheese tended to have a lower prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, and were less likely to use lipid-lowering medication.

“Higher intake of high-fat cheese and high-fat cream was associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia,” the researchers wrote.

Study author Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition scientist at Lund University, told Gizmodo that cheese does not appear to negatively impact brain health when eaten in reasonable amounts. She noted that the study focused on a Swedish population, where cheese is more often eaten on its own rather than as part of heavily processed meals.

Experts emphasized that while the findings are notable, high-fat foods should still be consumed in moderation due to their potential impact on cholesterol and heart health.

“Cheese can be part of a healthy diet,” Sonestedt said, adding that broader lifestyle factors such as physical activity, social engagement, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar remain critical for brain health.