Enjoying cheese at least once a week may do more than please the palate — it could help protect against dementia, according to new research from Japan.
A study involving nearly 8,000 adults aged 65 and older found that those who regularly ate cheese were 24 per cent less likely to develop dementia over three years compared with people who rarely or never consumed it. The findings were published this week in the journal Nutrients.
By the end of the study, 3.4 per cent of regular cheese eaters had been diagnosed with dementia, compared with 4.45 per cent among those who avoided cheese. While the absolute difference appears modest — roughly one fewer case per 100 people — researchers said it represents about 10 fewer dementia cases per 1,000 participants over the study period.
The team adjusted the data to account for factors including age, sex, overall health, and socioeconomic background. This statistical matching aimed to ensure that the observed benefits were not simply due to other health or lifestyle differences among participants.
Possible Benefits of Cheese on Brain Health
The researchers suggested several biological explanations for the link between cheese and cognitive function. Cheese contains proteins and essential amino acids that support neuron maintenance, as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K2, which contributes to vascular health and calcium balance — both vital for brain function.
Fermented dairy products, including many types of cheese, may also influence inflammation and the “gut-brain axis,” pathways believed to affect cognitive health. “Fermented dairy products have been associated with lower risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, both of which are known risk factors for dementia,” the study noted.
Correlation, Not Causation
Despite the promising findings, the researchers cautioned against interpreting the results as proof that cheese directly prevents dementia. The study was observational, meaning it identifies a potential association rather than a cause-and-effect relationship. Factors such as genetics, overall diet, and the type of cheese consumed could also influence the results.
Dementia remains one of the most pressing global health challenges. More than 50 million people worldwide were living with the condition in 2021, according to the World Health Organization, which warns that number could triple by 2050 as populations age.
While more research is needed, the Japanese study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that diet — including moderate consumption of fermented foods like cheese — may play an important role in maintaining cognitive health later in life.
