Restricting eating to a nine-hour window ‘could help fight dementia’

Restricting eating to a nine-hour window every day could be linked to a reduction in the risk of developing dementia for overweight women, researchers have said.

Scientists investigating ‘time-restricted eating’ – a form of intermittent fasting – were looking into whether the practice could help those at risk of developing the syndrome.

Presenting their research to the American Society of Nutrition in Maryland on Sunday, they said while losing weight by any healthy means has already been linked with lower rates of neurodegenerative decline in later life, the practice of only eating during a set time period may provide an extra boost.

The study, carried out by scientists from Rutgers University in New Jersey, examined 47 women between the ages of 50 and 79 who were all classed as obese or overweight.

All of them were asked to reduce their daily calorie intake by 500, while 26 were additionally asked to restrict their eating times to a nine-hour window.

There was no difference in the average weight lost, of 6.8kg, after six months.

But those who only followed the time-restricted eating practice showed ‘significant improvements on spatial planning and problem-solving tests at the end of the weight-loss programme.’

They also made fewer errors on memory and learning tests, though there was no significant difference on multi-tasking or reaction time tests.

Restricting eating to a nine-hour window every day could be linked to a reduction in the risk of developing dementia for overweight women (File image)

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP.Symptom Checklist

The researchers believe that eating patterns may play a role in affecting circadian rhythms, which control our sleep cycles, body temperature and hormone release schedules.

Dr Sue Shapses, a professor at Rutgers University and Rutgers-RWJ Medical Centre who led the study, said: ‘Losing weight alone will ward off some of the ageing-related cognitive decline, and these data suggest that there may be additional benefits if you stop eating four hours prior to going to sleep and reduce food intake to 8-9 hours per day, compared to the usual eating window of 12 hours per day.

‘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.’

Researchers said that further studies with larger groups were needed to confirm the findings. 

They said: ‘Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have become more prevalent as populations age, and women and people who are overweight or obese tend to face a higher likelihood of developing these conditions.

‘Diet and other lifestyle factors have been linked to dementia risk, but few studies have examined whether modifying these factors can reduce that risk.’