Dairy ‘goodness’ improves cognition

Milk may be good for your bones – but research is now showing the dairy goodness can also possibly improve cognitive function.

A study carried out by the University of South Australia and the University of Maine in America has revealed participants who consumed dairy products, mainly milk, at least once a day had “significantly higher scores on multiple domains of cognitive function” compared with those who never, or rarely, consumed dairy foods.

Those who reported eating dairy foods between two and four times a week performed significantly better on some of the tests than those who ate dairy foods once a week.

The study surveyed nearly 1,000 participants and aimed to investigate whether dairy food intake was associated with mental functioning.

To measure mental functioning of the participants, the researchers used a series of tests measuring memory, verbal recall, visual–spatial perception, organisational and verbal skills, and abstract reasoning ability. For dietary intake, they used a recognised questionnaire which included questions about nutrition and lifestyle.

The researchers say their results support an association between high dairy food consumption and cognitive function. Although little is known about how dairy foods might influence mental functioning, they say that one possibility is it may be beneficial for mental functioning through its “favourable effect” on cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity.

As the population ages, cognitive decline and dementia will place a “severe strain on both families and healthcare systems”. Change in diet may have a role in preventing cognitive decline, but they say little attention has so far been paid to the relationship between dairy foods and mental performance.