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