Can Cooking at Home Lower Dementia Risk? New Research Explores the Connection
A new observational study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health investigates a potential link between cooking at home and a reduced risk of dementia. While the findings suggest a possible association, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions.
The study, conducted in Japan, followed a large cohort of participants and examined their cooking habits in relation to their long-term cognitive health. Researchers found that individuals who regularly cooked at home, particularly more than five times per week, appeared to have a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who cooked less frequently.
Expert Perspectives on the Findings
Dr. Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasized the limitations of the study. “This study suggests a possible link between home cooking and dementia risk, but it cannot show that cooking itself directly influences whether someone develops the condition,” she stated. Alzheimer’s Research UK highlights the importance of considering other lifestyle factors that may contribute to brain health.
Dr. Kohlhaas explained that individuals who cook regularly may also engage in other healthy behaviors, such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active and staying socially connected – all of which are known to support cognitive function. She also noted the possibility that individuals experiencing early cognitive decline may lose interest in or the ability to cook, leading to a decrease in cooking frequency.
Professor Eef Hogervorst, Professor of Biological Psychology and Director of Dementia Research at Loughborough University, added that cooking is a complex activity requiring various cognitive skills, including memory, organization, and problem-solving. She suggested that a decline in cooking ability could be a symptom of underlying cognitive changes rather than a cause of dementia. Professor Hogervorst also pointed out that home-cooked meals are generally healthier than takeaway options, being lower in fat and salt and richer in fresh vegetables.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Brain Health
While the study doesn’t provide conclusive evidence that cooking at home reduces dementia risk, experts agree that adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle is crucial. Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health Hub provides information on how to reduce your risk of dementia through lifestyle interventions.
These interventions include:
- Staying physically active
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Maintaining social connections
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities
Study Details
The research, titled ‘Home cooking, cooking skills and dementia requiring long-term care: a population-based cohort study in Japan’ by Yukako Tani et al., was published in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health on March 24, 2026. DOI: 10.1136/jech-2025-225139
Declarations of Interest: Dr. Kohlhaas has no declarations of interest. Professor Hogervorst has previously received consultancy fees from Proctor and Gamble and NESTEC/Sandoz and has been funded for nutrition and brain research by various organizations, including ARUK and the British Council/Newton Trust.