More cheese, please!
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There’s no denying that we Brits love cheese – so much so that in 2025, sales increased by a whopping £216.2 million.
But, in addition to being absolutely scrumptious, there could also be health benefits of eating the smelly stuff regularly.
Experts in Sweden have found a surprising link between dementia and cheese and say it could be associated with a lower risk of developing the disease.
The study, published in January, followed 27,670 participants over 25 years and used data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort.
In that time, 3,208 of the participants developed dementia. However, the study found that those without a known genetic risk of Alzheimer’s, who ate more than 50g of high-fat cheese every day, saw a 13-17% lower risk of the disease. Participants with genetic risks did not see such a reduction.
The scientists also found that consuming more than 20g of full-fat cream every day was linked to a lower risk of all-cause dementia. No meaningful links were found between consuming low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, and other dairy products, such as milk.
However, before you reach for the cheeseboard, researchers have said that the results should be treated with caution. Lifestyle factors and diet as a whole are more important than one food in isolation.
Study participants who consumed more full-fat cheese and cream were also more likely to have a higher level of education, less likely to be overweight and had lower rates of conditions linked to dementia, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.
According to the NHS, “there’s no certain way to prevent all types of dementia, as researchers are still investigating how the condition develops”.
However, the health body says there’s good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing the disease. This includes eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, keeping alcohol within recommended limits and giving up smoking.
6 ways to support your brain health
Getting a good night’s sleep can help support brain health.
(Mavocado via Getty Images)1. Get good quality sleep
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, good quality sleep is important for brain health. In addition to avoiding screens before bed, it’s advisable to create a calming sleep environment and maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
The Alzheimer’s Society says that studies have found obesity between the ages of 35-65 can increase the risk of dementia in later life by around 30%, so maintaining a healthy weight is recommended.
3. Control your blood pressure
Those who are obese are two to three times more likely to have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes – both of which are dementia risk factors.
As can quitting smoking.
(boonchai wedmakawand via Getty Images)4. Avoid smoking
There is strong evidence to show that smoking increases a person’s risk of developing dementia, per the Alzheimer’s Society – regardless of whether you smoke in mid-life or later life.
Not only does smoking contribute to vascular problems, the toxins in cigarette smoke can also cause inflammation and stress to cells, both of which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Move your body regularly
Regular physical exercise can not only help you achieve a healthy weight, according to the NHS, it can also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are all linked to a higher risk of dementia.
6. Challenge your mind
Learning new skills and picking up new hobbies can also help keep your brain active and support overall brain health, per the Alzheimer’s Association.
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