8-Hour Eating Window Lifts Cognition in 47 Older Women as Both Groups Lost 15 Pounds
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 30
8-Hour Eating Window Lifts Cognition in 47 Older Women as Both Groups Lost 15 Pounds
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 30
Summary
An eight-to-nine-hour daily eating window was linked to slight cognitive gains in a six-month trial of 47 overweight or obese postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79.
Both groups cut about 500 calories a day and lost roughly 15 pounds, but the shorter-window group scored better on spatial planning and problem-solving tests and made fewer memory and learning errors.
Researchers said the benefit may reflect meal timing rather than weight loss alone, with longer overnight fasting potentially improving circadian rhythm, insulin sensitivity, inflammation and cellular repair.
Outside experts called the findings promising but preliminary, saying larger and longer studies are needed before recommending time-restricted eating specifically for brain health.
The study adds to interest in dementia prevention for women and people with obesity, but experts said exercise, sleep, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and Mediterranean-style diets have stronger evidence.