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
-
Primary care remodelled
Tracey Johnson is the CEO of Inala Primary Care, a not-for-profit general practice located in Inala serving approximately 7000 patients; 4400 of whom attend clinic regularly. Inala is a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland and has a population of great cultural and linguistic diversity, with just under 40% of residents speaking English at home. It is also one of Queensland’s most socioeconomically marginalised urban areas.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Tracey on the role of Inala Primary care in reducing hospital admissions.
-
Study on digital tool for pharmacists in aged care
In March 2022, the Australia government announced $350 million of funding over 4 years to employ on-site pharmacists in residential aged care, starting July 2023. In April 2023, the government made changes to the proposed on-site pharmacists, where the new program will now be delivered by and through community pharmacies. Regardless of how the model will be implemented, the goal remains the same – to improve quality use of medicines and medicines safety for aged care residents.
-
New AIDH digital strategy adds pillar to previous aims
Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH), today has released the AIDH Strategic Plan for 2026–2028, recently approved by the Board. This plan acts as a roadmap, as well as a shared statement of purpose and intent, guiding where AIDH will focus its effort, investment and voice over the next three years.
