If you love a good grilled cheese or a splash of cream in your coffee, this is for you.
A large Swedish study suggests that people who regularly ate high-fat cheese and cream had a lower risk of developing certain types of dementia. Think familiar favorites like cheddar, gouda, brie, parmesan, blue cheese, mascarpone, and cream cheese and everyday uses like soups, casseroles, baked potatoes and yes, that much-loved grilled cheese. But before we all run to the cheese aisle, let’s break down what the research actually found and what it doesn’t mean.
Researchers followed nearly 28,000 adults for about 25 years, tracking eating habits and brain health. Here’s what stood out:
- People who ate at least 50 grams of high-fat cheese per day, which is about 1.75 ounces or one-third cup, had a lower risk of dementia.
- The biggest impact was seen in vascular dementia which is linked to reduced or irregular blood flow to the brain.
- Those who used around 20 grams of high-fat cream per day (about 1 ½ tablespoons) also showed a reduced risk.
What’s the connection? Researchers have a few possible explanations:
- Fermentation matters. Many full-fat cheeses are fermented, a process that may help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood vessels, both important for brain health.
- Healthy fats play a role. Full-fat dairy contains compounds like omerga-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain function.
- Nutrition works as a team. These foods may be markers of overall dietary patterns that support brain health, rather than a single “superfood” effect.
So, before you add extra cheese to all your dishes, doctors are quick to point out that the research shows an association, not a guarantee. Everyone’s health is different and there is no “one size fits all”, especially for those managing heart disease, high cholesterol, or other chronic conditions.
The bottom line is that this study adds to growing evidence that brain health is closely tied to heart and blood vessel health and that not all fats are created equal. More research is needed, but for many people, enjoying moderate amounts of full-fat cheese or cream as part of a balanced diet may be just fine and beneficial.
If you have questions about dementia risk, nutrition or what’s right for your health, talk to your doctor to determine what’s right for you.