Full‑fat cheese and cream have surprising brain health benefits that may lower dementia risk compared to low‑fat dairy.
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A 25‑year Swedish study suggests that consuming full‑fat cheese and cream may lower dementia risk, but low‑fat dairy doesn't have the same effect on brain health. Researchers attribute the benefits to fatty acids and bioactive compounds in grass‑fed dairy. While the findings are promising, they emphasize the importance of overall diet quality for brain health.
You must have been advised to switch from full-fat dairy products to low-fat versions of those same products for a healthy life. But new research suggests that those who consume full-fat cheeses and creams are less likely to suffer from dementia. Interestingly, low-fat versions of the same products offer no such protection at all.
In a study published in January 2026, researchers found that people who consumed 50 grams or more of full-fat cheese daily had a 13 per cent decline in dementia risk and people who consumed 20 grams or more of full-fat cream daily experienced a 16 per cent decline in dementia risk. Researchers at Lund University in Sweden tracked around 28,000 people for 25 years.1
The research demonstrates interesting findings because low-fat cheese, butter milk and fermented products like yogurt did not provide the same protective benefits against dementia.
"When it comes to brain health, not all dairy is equal," stated Dr Emily Sonestedt who conducted the study. What makes full-fat cheese and full-fat cream different from low fat items? Researchers believe that the increased presence of fatty acids, vitamins and bioactive compounds in full-fat products leads to their benefits.
Full fat dairy products, which come from cows that consume grass feed, contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids which scientists have linked to cognitive function.
The research indicated that the people who took the extra cheese and cream actually replaced their least healthy choices, such as processed meat, and thus resulted in positive health results.
The researchers have made it very clear that their study indicates an association but they have still not established cause and effect.
The researchers have shown that consuming more cheese or cream does not guarantee the prevention of dementia. The study was conducted in Sweden which may have differences in the quality of dairy products consumed in comparison to other countries such as India. The study results did not apply to individuals who carried the APOE ε4 gene variant, which increased their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
If you indulge in a slice of cheese or a dash of cream, this research offers you little grounds for guilt – and perhaps even some grounds for feeling good about yourself.
But the key is the overall quality of your diet. Full-fat dairy products within the framework of a healthy, vegetable-based diet are far more beneficial for the brain than any isolated food. The relationship between fat and health is far more complex than we once thought.
1.Neurology | High-fat Dairy
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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