Mothers who breastfeed might be at a lower risk of developing dementia

Scientists from two UK universities have discovered that women who breastfeed might have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

By interviewing 81 British women aged between 70 and 100, research has suggested that women who had previously breastfed their children could have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

However Alzheimer’s Society, a charity which offers advice and support for people affected by the disease, has warned that this type of research needs to be explored further before serious recommendations can be made.

The Alzheimer’s Society said: “The debate as to whether breast is best is a complex one. Other studies have suggested breastfeeding has health benefits, but we don’t yet have robust evidence to suggest that a woman who feeds her child using her own milk will be less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease.

“This study is novel, and it’s interesting to note that it found a consistent link between this feeding technique and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it was a small study which doesn’t explore why the two are associated. It is too premature to make recommendations for mothers regarding breast feeding and their risk of dementia.”

The women taking part in the research were interviewed about their reproductive history, their breast feeding history and whether they are living with dementia.

Research found that women who had spent long periods of time breast feeding could have an overall lowered risk of suffering from the disease, with scientists attributing the link to certain biological effects of breast feeding.

As well as interviewing the women taking part in the research, the team spoke to relatives, spouses and carers about the women in the research.

The research has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.