Overview: A Possible Link Between Cheese and Cognitive Health
Could a simple dietary habit—enjoying cheese once a week—offer a small but meaningful hedge against developing dementia? A large Japanese cohort study published in Nutrients suggests that older adults who eat cheese at least weekly may face a lower risk of dementia over a three-year period. While the results point to an association rather than a proven cure, they add to a growing body of evidence that diet and lifestyle factors can influence brain aging.
What the Study Looked At
The JAGES 2019–2022 cohort study followed community-dwelling Japanese adults aged 65 and older. Researchers linked survey data to long-term care insurance records to identify new dementia cases. After careful adjustments for a wide range of factors—age, sex, education, income, health status, and daily living activities—the team used propensity score matching to compare cheese consumers with non-consumers, defining weekly cheese intake as eating cheese at least once per week.
Key Findings: A Modest Yet Notable Difference
Over three years, dementia developed in 3.4% of cheese consumers versus 4.5% of non-consumers. This translates to an absolute risk reduction of about 1.06 percentage points, or roughly 10.6 fewer dementia cases per 1,000 people. In statistical terms, cheese consumption was linked to a 21–24% lower hazard of developing dementia, even after accounting for other dietary habits like fruit and vegetable intake, and meat or fish consumption.
The researchers used Kaplan–Meier curves to show a significantly lower cumulative incidence of dementia among cheese eaters, and a restricted mean survival time analysis indicated about 7.7 extra dementia-free days on average for cheese consumers during the follow-up period. While modest, these numbers could accumulate at a population level, especially in societies with low dairy intake.
Why Might Cheese Help Brain Health?
Cheese contains a mix of bioactive compounds thought to support brain health. Vitamin K2, certain peptides, antioxidants, and probiotic components may influence vascular and neural function, potentially reducing inflammation and improving metabolic processes linked to cognitive health. However, most participants in this study consumed processed cheese, which may have lower levels of some bioactives than aged or fermented varieties. The study does not establish causation, but it aligns with broader research suggesting fermented dairy products could play a protective role against cognitive decline.
Interpretation and Public Health Takeaways
While the reported 21–24% risk reduction is encouraging, it is essential to interpret the results with caution. Dietary studies can be affected by residual confounding, and cheese intake in this population was relatively modest. The authors note limitations, including a single dietary assessment, unmeasured portion sizes, and reliance on administrative records for dementia diagnosis. Nevertheless, the study supports a broader message: small lifestyle choices, like weekly cheese consumption, might contribute to healthier aging when integrated into a balanced diet and other protective behaviors.
Limitations and Next Steps
Future research should explore the effects of different cheese types (e.g., aged, fermented) and exact portion sizes, along with genetic and microbiome factors that influence brain aging. Randomized trials are challenging in nutrition research but could help clarify causality. In the meantime, people should consider cheese as one component of an overall brain-healthy eating pattern, prioritizing diverse fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and regular physical activity.
Bottom Line
The Japanese study adds an intriguing piece to the puzzle of dementia prevention. For older adults, adding cheese to the weekly menu might offer a modest protective signal for cognitive health, particularly when part of an overall balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. As always, consult healthcare providers regarding dietary changes, especially for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or chronic health conditions.
