Another Reason too Enjoy Cheese: Potential Link to lower Dementia Risk
A recent study conducted between 2019-2022 investigated the potential positive effects of cheese consumption on brain health. The findings, published in the journal Nutrients on October 25, 2025, revealed a noteworthy correlation between regular cheese intake and dementia incidence.
Researchers found a dementia incidence rate of just 3.4% among individuals who consumed cheese at least once a week, compared to 4.5% in those who did not. While a difference of 1.1% may seem small, the study indicates this translates to 10.6 fewer cases of dementia per 1,000 inhabitants.
“Our results support previous data indicating that dairy products may play a beneficial role in preventing dementia, but further studies are needed before making definitive recommendations,” the study authors wrote. “Future research could clarify the dose-response relationships, cheese subtypes and underlying mechanisms.”
The Japanese researchers who conducted the study acknowledged the need for contextualization, noting the research isolated the food factor and was performed on a population with cheese consumption habits substantially lower than those in Europe.
Despite this, the study’s relevance is bolstered by cheese’s nutritional profile, containing proteins and amino acids crucial for preserving nerve cells. It also features fat-soluble vitamins like K2, crucial for regulating calcium levels in the blood and supporting vascular health.
The authors referenced “previous data” from several earlier studies. Research in Finland observed a 28% reduction in dementia risk among high cheese consumers. in the United Kingdom, studies linked cheese consumption to better brain connectivity, notably in individuals carrying the APOE4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While further research is necessary to definitively confirm cheese as a preventative measure against dementia, incorporating nutrient-dense foods into the diet may be beneficial for older adults.The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 57 million peopel worldwide were living with dementia in 2021, with around ten million new cases diagnosed annually.
