Nisha Pandey

Can Meal Timing Affect Dementia Risk? Study Says Maintaining 9-Hour Eating Window Can Help

A new study suggests that when you eat may be just as important as what you eat to support brain health as you age. 

Researchers have found that restricting food intake to an 8 to 9-hour window each day and avoiding food for at least four hours before bedtime may help reduce age-related cognitive decline, particularly among older adults living with overweight or obesity.

The findings were presented at the American Society for Nutrition's NUTRITION 2026 annual meeting. The study supports the notion that fixed mealtimes could support healthy ageing beyond weight loss.

Led by researchers at Rutgers University, the study is based on 47 women aged 50 to 79 years who were overweight or obese.

All participants were enrolled in a six-month weight-loss programme and asked to consume 500 fewer calories per day. They were then divided into two groups:

<strong>Time-restricted eating group</strong>: Ate all meals within an 8 to 9-hour window, typically between 10 am and 6 pm.

<strong>Control group</strong>: Spread meals across a more conventional 12-hour eating window.

Both groups lost around 6.8 to 7 kg over six months. However, participants who followed the shorter eating window performed significantly better on tests assessing spatial planning, problem-solving, and executive function.

Researchers also noticed that they also committed fewer memory and learning errors.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/scientists-say-changes-in-brain-in-your-40s-50s-may-influence-dementia-risk-article-155181642" data-type="tilCustomLink">Scientists Say Changes In Brain In Your 40s &amp; 50s May Influence Dementia Risk</a>

Following fixed meal times can regulate the body's circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that keeps sleep in check, metabolism, hormone release, and other essential <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-brain-day-climate-change-is-not-just-harming-the-planet-it-could-also-be-affecting-your-brain-article-155151944" data-type="tilCustomLink">brain functions</a>.

Eating earlier in the day and avoiding late-night meals may improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support healthier brain function over time. These factors are known to lower risk of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-brain-day-how-poor-sleep-increases-the-risk-of-neurological-disorders-article-155149538" data-type="tilCustomLink">cognitive decline</a>.

Lead investigator Professor Sue Shapses, nutritional scientist at Rutgers University and Rutgers-RWJ Medical Center, said, "Losing weight alone will ward off some of the aging-related cognitive decline, and these data suggest that there may be additional benefits if you stop eating four hours before going to sleep and reduce food intake to 8 to 9 hours per day, compared with the usual eating window of 12 hours per day."

She added, "These outcomes suggest a better ability to remember information during everyday tasks and reducing mistakes related to memory, attention and problem-solving. Reductions in the eating window predicted greater improvements."

<h2>Can It Influence <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">Dementia</a> Risk</span>?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/japanese-pm-sanae-takaichi-sleeps-3-hours-a-night-how-much-sleep-do-you-really-need-article-155161508" data-type="tilCustomLink">Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Sleeps 3 Hours A Night: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?</a>

The researchers stress that the study does not prove that a 9-hour eating window prevents <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/can-one-partners-dementia-raise-the-others-risk-new-study-suggests-an-interesting-link-article-155148117" data-type="tilCustomLink">dementia</a>. Instead, it suggests that meal timing could become one of several lifestyle strategies to support cognitive health.

<span>Dementia</span> risk is influenced by multiple factors including age, genetics, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity, sleep, and diet. Time-restricted eating may eventually become part of a broader prevention approach if future research confirms these findings.

<h2>Dementia Risk Gets Influenced During Midlife </h2>

Does Trump Have Alzheimer's Disease? #shorts #shortsfeed #trump #trumpnews #alzheimer #dementia

A recent study found that brain undergoes immune changes during 40s and 50s that could influence the risk of dementia.

Researchers found that the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory, experiences a major shift in its immune cells during the 40s and 50s.

Once this immune environment changes, it may make the brain more vulnerable to inflammation and cognitive decline.

The findings suggest that this change could lead to chronic inflammation associated with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/10000-brain-scans-reveal-why-memory-declines-with-age-challenging-long-held-theory-article-155135705" data-type="tilCustomLink">Alzheimer's disease</a> and other forms of dementia in the future .

Health Conditions A-Z

health

can-meal-timing-affect-dementia-risk-study-says-maintaining-9-hour-eating-window-can-help

Dementia

dementia risk

dementia risk factors

dementia symptoms

Dementia and diet

trump-should-take-a-month-off-for-his-health-says-bill-oreilly

Trump Should Take A Month Off For His Health, Says Bill O'Reilly

prostate-cancer-nhs-englands-new-precision-radiotherapy-offers-hope-in-just-5-sessions

Prostate Cancer: NHS England's New Precision Radiotherapy Offers Hope In Just 5 Sessions

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A new study suggests that when you eat may be just as important as what you eat to support brain health as you age. Researchers have found that restricting food intake to an 8 to 9-hour window each day and avoiding food for at least four hours before bedtime may help reduce age-related cognitive decline, particularly among older adults living with overweight or obesity. The findings were presented at the American Society for Nutrition's NUTRITION 2026 annual meeting. The study supports the notion that fixed mealtimes could support healthy ageing beyond weight loss. What Did The Study Find? Led by researchers at Rutgers University, the study is based on 47 women aged 50 to 79 years who were overweight or obese. All participants were enrolled in a six-month weight-loss programme and asked to consume 500 fewer calories per day. They were then divided into two groups: Time-restricted eating group: Ate all meals within an 8 to 9-hour window, typically between 10 am and 6 pm. Control group: Spread meals across a more conventional 12-hour eating window. Both groups lost around 6.8 to 7 kg over six months. However, participants who followed the shorter eating window performed significantly better on tests assessing spatial planning, problem-solving, and executive function. Researchers also noticed that they also committed fewer memory and learning errors. Why Could Meal Timing Matter?Also read: Scientists Say Changes In Brain In Your 40s & 50s May Influence Dementia Risk Following fixed meal times can regulate the body's circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that keeps sleep in check, metabolism, hormone release, and other essential brain functions. Eating earlier in the day and avoiding late-night meals may improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support healthier brain function over time. These factors are known to lower risk of cognitive decline. Lead investigator Professor Sue Shapses, nutritional scientist at Rutgers University and Rutgers-RWJ Medical Center, said, "Losing weight alone will ward off some of the aging-related cognitive decline, and these data suggest that there may be additional benefits if you stop eating four hours before going to sleep and reduce food intake to 8 to 9 hours per day, compared with the usual eating window of 12 hours per day." She added, "These outcomes suggest a better ability to remember information during everyday tasks and reducing mistakes related to memory, attention and problem-solving. Reductions in the eating window predicted greater improvements." Can It Influence Dementia Risk?Also read: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Sleeps 3 Hours A Night: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? The researchers stress that the study does not prove that a 9-hour eating window prevents dementia. Instead, it suggests that meal timing could become one of several lifestyle strategies to support cognitive health. Dementia risk is influenced by multiple factors including age, genetics, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity, sleep, and diet. Time-restricted eating may eventually become part of a broader prevention approach if future research confirms these findings.Dementia Risk Gets Influenced During Midlife                   A recent study found that brain undergoes immune changes during 40s and 50s that could influence the risk of dementia.Researchers found that the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory, experiences a major shift in its immune cells during the 40s and 50s.Once this immune environment changes, it may make the brain more vulnerable to inflammation and cognitive decline.The findings suggest that this change could lead to chronic inflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the future .

can meal timing affect dementia risk? study says maintaining 9-hour eating window can help

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Can Meal Timing Affect Dementia Risk? Study Says Maintaining 9-Hour Eating Window Can Help

Trump Should Take A Month Off For His Health, Says Bill O'Reilly

Quit Smoking Years Ago? New Study Says You May Still Be At The Risk Of Lung Disease

Think Marijuana Helps Relax? New Study Links Cannabis With Higher Levels Of Stress Hormone

Health Conditions A-Z

Can Meal Timing Affect Dementia Risk? Study Says Maintaining 9-Hour Eating Window Can Help

Trump Should Take A Month Off For His Health, Says Bill O'Reilly

Prostate Cancer: NHS England's New Precision Radiotherapy Offers Hope In Just 5 Sessions