Scientific studies that follow people for 25 years bring useful clues because they track real-life choices across different stages of life. Those clues help scientists form hypotheses about what to test next in controlled experiments. This particular finding steers attention toward components of full-fat dairy — nutrients, fatty acids, or how these foods interact with the gut and metabolism — that could influence brain health in ways low-fat versions do not.
Decisions about diet affect personal well-being and social supports for aging populations. If the association holds up under further study, it could influence dietary advice and public programs that aim to reduce dementia risk and promote inclusion for older adults. Follow the link to see the full paper and learn which next steps researchers propose for translating these long-term observations into actionable knowledge.
Eating full-fat cheese and cream may be associated with a lower risk of dementia, according to a large study that tracked people for more than 25 years. Those who consumed higher amounts of these foods developed dementia less often than those who ate little or none. Interestingly, low-fat dairy products did not show the same pattern. Researchers caution that the findings show an association, not cause and effect.
