February brings hearts to the forefront, both literally and figuratively. Heart Health Month encourages closer attention to cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits, while Valentine’s Day highlights the relationships we hope will last for years to come. Food sits squarely at the intersection of both.
A large observational study published in Neurology followed more than 27,000 adults for up to 25 years, examining dairy intake and subsequent dementia diagnoses. As a prospective cohort study, it can identify long-term associations, but it cannot prove that any specific food prevents or causes disease. That distinction is essential when interpreting the results.
Rather than grouping together all dairy, researchers separated higher-fat and lower-fat products and tracked outcomes such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Higher intake of full-fat cheese and cream was associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia and vascular dementia. Low-fat dairy showed no clear relationship in either direction, while milk and yogurt, regardless of fat content, were largely neutral.
The vascular dementia findings are especially important because they highlight the overlap between heart and brain health. Reduced blood flow, arterial stiffness, and impaired metabolic control affect not only the cardiovascular system but also the brain. If certain foods support healthier blood vessels over time, they may indirectly influence cognitive health. This study, however, cannot explain the underlying mechanisms.
One hypothesis is that cheese is more than simply a source of saturated fat. It also contains protein, calcium, and bioactive compounds shaped by fermentation and aging. Together, these components may influence inflammation, insulin sensitivity, or lipid metabolism in ways that are not captured by evaluating nutrients in isolation. At this stage, this remains a theory rather than a conclusion.
Genetics may also play a role. Among participants without the APOE ε4 gene variant, higher intake of full-fat cheese was associated with lower Alzheimer’s disease risk. This does not suggest that cheese prevents dementia, but it does point to possible interactions between diet and genetic risk and to the need for controlled clinical trials.
None of these findings suggests abandoning moderation. The broader takeaway is that heart-supportive eating is not simply about reducing fat, but about building a sustainable pattern: mostly whole foods, appropriate portions, and habits that promote stable blood sugar and healthy blood vessels.
Even Valentine’s Day treats can fit into that pattern: a shared meal, a favorite cheese, a small pleasure enjoyed mindfully. Caring for the heart is also an investment in the brain. While science continues to refine the details, the connection between the two is well established.
Foods that tend to support both heart and brain health
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, trout)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, chia, flax)
Beans and lentils
Whole grains (oats, barley, brown rice)
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Berries
Plain yogurt or kefir
Water, coffee, and tea (mostly unsweetened)
Heart and brain health are deeply connected, shaped over time by everyday choices rather than single foods or nutrients. While research continues to explore how diet, genetics, and vascular health interact, the most reliable strategy remains a balanced, sustainable eating pattern that supports the whole body. Small, mindful choices made consistently can matter far more than any one headline-worthy finding.