Cheese consumption Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in New Study
Tokyo,Japan – A new study conducted in Japan suggests a potential link between regular cheese consumption and a reduced risk of dementia.Researchers found an association between eating cheese and improved cognitive function, adding to a growing body of evidence highlighting the gut-brain connection and the importance of heart health in dementia prevention.
The research, published in Nutrients, comes as dementia is recognized as a key public health priority by the United Nations, with at least 50 million people worldwide currently living with the condition – a number expected to rise with aging populations.
While the study did not investigate the specific mechanisms behind this association, researchers point to nutritional characteristics of cheese as a possible clarification. Previous research has established connections between gut health and dementia, as well as the benefits of fermented dairy foods like cheese for cardiovascular health, which is itself linked to dementia risk.
“Even though the present study did not include biomarker or mechanistic assessments, several nutritional characteristics of cheese may provide a plausible explanation for the observed association,” the researchers write.
The findings do not guarantee that eating cheese will prevent dementia, but suggest it could be a contributing factor. Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to determine optimal consumption levels, the effects of different cheese types, and the underlying biological processes involved.
“Further research is warranted to clarify dose-response relationships, cheese subtypes, and underlying mechanisms,” the researchers conclude.
