Khaberni - Khaberni - A recent scientific study suggests that consuming certain full-fat dairy products, notably high-fat cheese and cream, may be linked to a reduced risk of dementia, in findings that contradict years of dietary advice that warned against saturated fats, according to a report published by "MedicalXpress" scientific site.
The study, published in the journal Neurology of the American Academy of Neurology, confirms that the results do not prove a direct causal relationship, but reveal a significant statistical association between the consumption of these products and long-term brain health.
A quarter-century follow-up
The researchers relied on data from 27,670 people in Sweden, with an average age of 58 at the start of the study, and they were followed for approximately 25 years. During this period, 3,208 participants developed dementia.
Participants were asked to record their food intake for a week and answer detailed questionnaires about their dietary patterns in previous years, in addition to food preparation methods, which allowed researchers to form an accurate picture of dairy product consumption.
Full-fat cheese
The study compared people who consumed 50 grams or more daily of high-fat cheese (such as Cheddar, Brie, and Gouda), and people who consumed less than 15 grams daily. The results showed that only 10% of the first group developed dementia, compared to 13% in the lower consumption group.
After adjusting the results according to factors such as age, gender, education, and the overall quality of their dietary regimen, it was revealed that consuming higher amounts of full-fat cheese was associated with a 13% decrease in dementia risk, and with a 29% decrease in the risk of developing vascular dementia.
Potential impact on Alzheimer's
Researchers also observed a decrease in the risk of Alzheimer's disease among high-fat cheese consumers, but this effect only appeared among individuals not carrying the genetic variant APOE e4, known to be associated with an increased risk of the disease.
The results were not limited to cheese only, as the study showed that individuals who consumed 20 grams or more daily of full-fat cream – equivalent to about a spoonful and a half of whipping cream – were less likely to develop dementia by 16% compared to those who did not consume it at all.
Not all dairy products are equal
Conversely, researchers did not find any association between a reduced risk of dementia and consuming low-fat cheese, milk, butter, or fermented dairy products such as yogurt and kefir, whether full-fat or low-fat.
The lead researcher Emily Sonestadt from Lund University in Sweden said the results "show that the health impact of dairy products varies significantly, and that the traditional focus on reducing fats may not always be the best choice for brain health."
Study limitations and scientific reservations
Despite the importance of the results, researchers emphasized that the study is observational and does not prove that consuming cheese or cream prevents dementia. Also, all participants were from Sweden, where cheese is often consumed uncooked, unlike consumption patterns in other countries like the United States.
Researchers believe there is a need for further studies in different communities to understand the role of fats, bioactive compounds, and the method of cheese consumption in protecting the brain.
While these results do not suggest an overindulgence in fatty cheeses, they do open a new door for reevaluating the relationship between dietary fats and brain health, moving away from old generalizations.
While a balanced diet, physical activity, and heart health remain fundamental factors in preventing dementia, the study suggests that some traditional dietary choices may offer unexpected benefits for the brain.
