ROLE OF MILK IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT A1 protein free milk may provide enhanced outcomes
With
Dr Emma Beckett,
Food & Nutrition Scientist, FOODiQ Global
Professor Stephen Robinson, Psychology Research
Researcher and corresponding author &
semi-retired neuroscientist, RMIT University
AUSTRALIAN HEALTH JOURNAL SEGMENT
Filmed in Melbourne and Newcastle, NSW | September 2025
New research emphasises the role of cows’ milk, particularly A1 protein free milk, in enhancing cognitive function and quality of life for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A multi-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled clinical study published in *The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging* evaluated 88 milk-tolerant Chinese adults aged 65-75 over three months. Participants consumed either ordinary skim milk or A1 protein free skim milk, leading to improvements in various cognitive assessments.
Both types of milk showed significant enhancements in cognitive performance across multiple tests, including the Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test (SCIT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Audio Verbal Learning Test (AVLT).
While both groups reported improvements in quality of life, the A1 protein free group noted greater gains, including a 23% increase in overall quality of life scores and a 43% improvement in memory ability. Despite challenges with vitamin D levels among participants, the study highlights the importance of milk choice in promoting cognitive health, especially for the aging population, where approximately 20% of those over 65 may experience MCI.
Researcher and corresponding author of the clinical study, Professor Stephen Robinson spoke to Australian Health Journal about the findings and the need for further research to confirm these benefits across diverse populations.
Dr Emma Beckett, food and nutrition scientist at FOODiQ, says A1PF milk, as part of a balanced diet, can play a valuable role in improving the nutrition of older adults.
“This is an exciting study because it shows that a small dietary change, adding A1PF milk, may be effective for those experiencing cognitive changes. As Australia’s population continues to age, A1PF milk may offer an accessible way to support overall health and wellbeing, particularly in adults living with MCI,” said Dr Beckett.
Source: Adapted from a2 Milk Australia media release and published study
-
Developing the next generation of medicines to target and enhance the microbiome
Australian Health Journal spoke to Associate Professor Sam Forster, Research Group Head
Microbiota and Systems Biology, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Team Leader, Australian Microbiome Culture Collection & Chief Scientific Officer, BiomeBank and Dr Sam Costello, Co-Founder and CEO of BiomeBank about the microbiome, partnering and some of the breakthroughs in recent years. -
Rapid trend shift in radiology technology and accessibility
Dr Mansoor Parker obtained his medical degree from the University of Tasmania. He then completed his specialist radiology training at Nepean Hospital, Sydney with subspecialty interests in Interventional Radiology and Pain Management, Musculoskeletal, Cardiac and Abdominal Imaging. Dr Parker is a qualified specialist since 2005 and is a member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and the exclusive Australasian Musculoskeletal Imaging Group (AMSIG) as well as the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA).
-
Message from former Australian Health Minister Hon Greg Hunt
The Honourable Greg Hunt served in the Australian Government as Minster for Health and Aged Care from 2017, previously as Industry, Innovation and Science Minister and before that the Environment Minister.
Elected as the Member for Flinders in 2001, Greg announced his retirement from politics late 2021 and in 2022, ahead of the Federal Election, having completed 20 years as a public servant.
Australian Health Journal recently caught up with Greg in a relaxed interview at his home in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria to hear how a 9 month sabbatical has allowed him to focus on family, fitness and future. This has even included some “brutal spin cycle classes!”.
