Full-Fat Dairy May Reduce Dementia Risk, Study Suggests

People who eat higher amounts of full-fat cheese adn cream may be less likely to develop dementia later in life, according to a new study published on December 17, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of neurology.The findings point to a connection between these foods and dementia risk, but thay do not prove that eating high-fat dairy prevents dementia. Instead, the study identifies an association.

What the Study Found

High-fat cheeses are defined as having more than 20% fat and include common types such as cheddar, Brie and Gouda. High-fat creams generally contain 30-40% fat and include whipping cream, double cream and clotted cream. The study revealed meaningful findings:

• Participants who ate 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese each day had a 13% lower risk of dementia compared with those who ate less than 15 grams daily.
• People who consumed at least 20 grams of high-fat cream per day also showed a reduced dementia risk, about 16% lower than those who did not consume cream.

Researchers found no similar link for low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, milk, butter or fermented milk products.

Study Details

the study followed a large group of participants over several years, tracking their dietary habits and monitoring for the development of dementia. Researchers carefully analyzed the data to identify potential correlations between dairy consumption and cognitive health.

Why This Matters

dementia is a growing global health concern, and identifying modifiable lifestyle factors that may reduce risk is crucial. While this study doesn’t establish a cause-and-effect relationship, it offers intriguing evidence that full-fat dairy could play a role in supporting brain health.

Critically important Considerations

It’s important to remember that this research highlights an association, not causation. Other factors, such as genetics, overall diet, and lifestyle, also contribute to dementia risk.More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.

What Experts Say

Scientists emphasize that more research is needed to confirm these findings and to better understand whether certain high-fat dairy foods could help support brain health. They caution against drastically changing dietary habits based on this single study.

Key Takeaways

• Eating high-fat cheese (over 20% fat) might potentially be linked to a 13% lower risk of dementia.
• Consuming high-fat cream (30-40% fat) might potentially be associated with a 16% lower risk of dementia.
• Low-fat dairy products did not show the same association.
• Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.