Study suggests shorter eating window could benefit brain function in later life
Experts say more research is needed, but early results suggest time-restricted eating could support healthier brain ageing
Limiting daily eating to a nine-hour window may help reduce cognitive decline in older adults, according to new research exploring the link between meal timing and brain health.
A pilot study involving older women living with obesity found early signs of improved cognitive function among participants who restricted their meals and snacks to a nine-hour period while avoiding food for several hours before bedtime.
Researchers say the findings add to growing evidence that when people eat could be just as important as what they eat in supporting healthy ageing.
Professor Sue Shapses, a nutritional scientist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, said weight loss itself can play an important role in protecting cognitive health.
“Losing weight alone can help slow cognitive decline in older age,” Shapses said.
She added that there may be additional benefits for people who limit their daily eating window to around eight or nine hours and avoid eating late into the evening.
The researchers believe the potential benefits may be linked to the body's metabolism and inflammatory responses, both of which are thought to influence brain health as people age.
Dementia remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly two million deaths each year.
While risk factors such as age and genetics cannot be changed, experts estimate that many cases could potentially be prevented or delayed through healthier lifestyle choices.
Scientists are increasingly examining whether meal timing could become another factor in reducing the risk of cognitive decline alongside established recommendations such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a balanced diet.
The study also noted that many people in countries including the UK and the US typically consume food over a period of around 14 hours each day, leaving only about 10 hours overnight without eating.
Although the findings are promising, the research was based on a small pilot study, and larger clinical studies will be needed to confirm whether time-restricted eating can consistently improve cognitive health and lower dementia risk in older adults.