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
-
Nurse led micro-suction earwax removal service continues success
At the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards in February, Earworx was recognised as the National Championing Health Award winner. Lisa Hellwege, the Clinical Director and Founder of Earworx, expressed her gratitude to the entire team and their patients for their trust and support. Earworx specialises in providing professional earwax removal services led by trained nurses using a procedure called microsuction.
-
Emerging researcher appointed to James Packer Chair in Mood Disorders at UNSW
The UNSW Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health is widely renowned as the pre-eminent psychiatry research department in the country and one of the leading university psychiatry research groups internationally. In 2023 it celebrated 60 Years of Psychiatry & Mental Health at UNSW Sydney.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Professor Kimberlie Dean, Head of the Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney, about the recent appointment of mental health disorders expert and clinician researcher Dr Aswin Ratheesh to lead the James Packer Chair in Mood Disorders at UNSW Sydney. -
Detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Professor Vicky Vass serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Research Australia, which is based in Perth, Western Australia. Australian Health Journal met with Professor Vass to hear of the organisation’s mission to solve the mysteries surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, and focus on detection as the key to their efforts.
