High-Fat Dairy’s Impact on Dementia: New Study Sparks Debate

Recent research from Malmö, Sweden, suggests that high-fat dairy products, specifically cheese and cream, may have a slight protective effect against dementia. The observational study monitored nearly 28,000 individuals over a span of up to 25 years, revealing that those who consumed substantial amounts of high-fat cheese experienced a lower risk of developing dementia.

The study, published in the medical journal Neurology on March 15, 2024, found that individuals who ate at least 50 grams (approximately 2 ounces) of high-fat cheese daily had a 13% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams (about 0.5 ounces). Similarly, daily consumption of 20 grams (around 0.7 ounces) of high-fat cream was associated with a 16% lower risk.

While these findings may appear promising, experts urge caution. Dr. Walter Willett, a prominent nutrition researcher at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasizes that the results are not definitive. He noted that the association for cheese was “at the margin of statistical significance,” suggesting that the findings might be coincidental due to the variety of foods analyzed. “I’m not running out to buy a block of cheese,” Willett stated in an email.

Study Limitations and Expert Perspectives

A significant limitation of the research is the collection of dietary data at only one point in time—at the study’s outset in 1991. Following the initial five years, the researchers conducted a secondary analysis on a subset of participants, which subsequently revealed that the correlations between high-fat dairy and dementia risk diminished. Dr. Tian-Shin Yeh, an associate professor at Taipei Medical University, expressed concern that the lack of continuous dietary tracking weakens the study’s conclusions.

Yeh highlighted that the benefits of high-fat cheese were primarily seen when these cheeses replaced less nutritious foods, such as processed meats. “It is not so much that high-fat cheese is inherently neuroprotective, but rather that it is a less harmful choice than red and processed meats,” she noted.

The study’s findings may resonate with individuals advocating for the health benefits of saturated fats, such as those in the Make America Healthy Again movement. Yet, it is essential to recognize that no significant benefits were observed from other high-fat dairy products like butter, yogurt, or low-fat dairy options.

Additional Considerations for Dairy Consumption

Dr. David Katz, founder of the True Health Initiative, remarked that the apparent health benefits of lower-fat dairy may stem from the baseline health conditions of participants. Individuals consuming lower-fat options often had a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, suggesting that their dietary choices might have been a response to existing health concerns.

The study’s setting in Sweden introduces another variable, as Swedish dairy cows are more likely to be grass-fed compared to those in other countries, including the United States. Dr. Richard Isaacson, a neurologist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, pointed out that grass-fed dairy products tend to contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health, especially in individuals with the APOE4 gene variant that increases Alzheimer’s risk.

Isaacson expressed skepticism about the study’s applicability to broader populations, stating, “While I’m intrigued, I’m certainly not going to tell people to eat high-fat cheese to prevent Alzheimer’s.”

In conclusion, while the recent study highlights a potential link between high-fat dairy and reduced dementia risk, experts call for more extensive research to validate these findings across diverse populations and dietary contexts. As the dialogue continues, individuals should approach dietary choices with informed caution, prioritizing balanced nutrition over unverified claims.