Restricted Eating Hours May Reduce Cognitive Decline in Older Age

Confining mealtimes to a nine-hour window and observing a four-hour fasting period before sleep may offer a protective effect against cognitive decline in older adults, according to preliminary research. A pilot study involving older women with overweight or obesity indicated that those who adhered to a restricted eating schedule experienced subtle improvements in cognitive functions, such as spatial planning and problem-solving, compared to peers who ate over a longer duration.

The study, led by Professor Sue Shapses, a nutritional scientist at Rutgers University, involved 47 women aged 50 to 79. For six months, all participants reduced their daily calorie intake by 500 calories. Within this group, 26 women were instructed to eat only within a nine-hour window, typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The remaining volunteers spread their meals over approximately 12 hours. Both groups achieved similar average weight loss of about 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds).

However, cognitive tests revealed a notable difference. Participants in the time-restricted eating group performed better on spatial planning and problem-solving tasks. While there were also indications of fewer errors in memory and learning tests for this group, performance on multitasking and reaction time tests was similar across both groups. Researchers noted that while weight loss itself can slow cognitive decline, time-restricted eating might provide additional benefits, particularly when combined with avoiding late-night meals.

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