A new study by Japanese scientists from Niimi University in Japan suggests that regularly eating cheese may be associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Although there is still no cure for the disease, the list of factors that potentially influence risk is growing, from physical activity and diet to social environment and even the way a person listens to music.
The study, commissioned by the food company Meiji Co., was conducted among 7,914 people aged 65+. Half of the participants reported eating cheese at least once a week, while others never did. Their health was monitored for three years. The article was published in the journal Nutrients.
As a result, dementia developed in 3.4% of cheese lovers – 134 people, while among those who did not eat it, the disease was diagnosed in 4.5% – 176 people. Scientists emphasize that we are talking about correlation, not a proven cause-and-effect relationship.
“These results are consistent with previous observations linking dairy consumption to cognitive health. Even small individual effects can have implications at the population level,” the study authors note.
Scientists took into account factors associated with the risk of dementia: age, gender, income level, education. Diet features were also considered: people who did not consume cheese were more likely to have less healthy diets. Taking this into account reduced the severity of the connection, but did not cancel it completely.
The researchers suggest several possible explanations. Cheese contains vitamin K, which is involved in maintaining brain health, as well as beneficial bacteria that affect gut health, gut health has previously been linked to the risk of dementia. In addition, fermented dairy products have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, which has long been considered a key risk factor.
Dementia is recognized by the United Nations as a major health problem: today it affects at least 50 million people, and the number of patients continues to grow as the population ages – this is especially true in Japan.
The researchers emphasize that the results do not mean that cheese prevents dementia, but do indicate possible benefits and the need for further research.
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