Time-restricted diet linked to cognitive health
A small trial suggests limiting when you eat each day may reduce your risk of dementia.
Talk about dementia!
For Dementia Action Week, from 21-27 September, Australians are being asked to do one simple thing: talk about dementia.
Dementia Australia notes that almost half a million Australians are living with dementia and more than 1.7 million people are involved in their care.
However, we don’t talk about it enough. The topic can feel too hard to raise or we worry about saying the wrong thing.
Dementia is often, wrongly, seen as just a part of getting older.
When we talk about dementia, we can:
Improve support and services for Australians
Improve understanding of dementia
Reduce stigma and discrimination.
For more information about Dementia Australia and Dementia Action Week, click here.
A popular weight-loss regime may also help stave off cognitive decline in older people.
Scientists have found that limiting food intake to an eight to nine-hour window each day, a practice known as time-restricted eating, may offer benefits for brain health as we age.
The findings come from a small clinical trial led by researchers at Rutgers University in the United States. The study involved 47 women aged between 50 and 79 who were overweight or obese and taking part in a six-month weight-loss program.
All participants were encouraged to reduce their daily calorie intake by about 500 calories. However, one group was also asked to eat only within a period of less than nine hours each day, typically between 10am and 6pm.
At the end of the study, both groups lost a similar amount of weight, averaging around seven kilograms. But researchers noticed an important difference when they assessed cognitive performance.
Women following the restricted eating schedule performed better on tests measuring spatial planning and problem-solving skills. They also showed signs of improved memory and learning, although those results were less conclusive.
Lead researcher, Professor Sue Shapses, said that while weight loss itself can help reduce age-related cognitive decline, the study suggests there may be additional benefits from finishing meals several hours before bedtime and limiting eating to a shorter daily window.
The results are particularly relevant because dementia and other forms of cognitive decline are becoming more common as populations age.
Experts estimate that many dementia cases may be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and following a nutritious diet.
Obesity in midlife is also associated with an increased risk of dementia later in life.
Researchers caution that the trial was relatively small and involved only women, meaning larger studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
However, the findings add to growing evidence that aligning eating patterns with the body's natural daily rhythms could support long-term health.
For older adults looking to improve their wellbeing, time-restricted eating may be another simple lifestyle strategy worth discussing with a doctor or dietitian, particularly when combined with healthy eating, regular exercise, and good sleep habits.
Related reading: The Guardian, Eureka Alert, Science Daily
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
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