A new study suggests that when older adults eat each day may influence brain health, with researchers finding that women who followed a shorter daily eating window showed modest improvements in cognitive performance compared with those who spread meals across a longer period.

Study Findings

The preliminary findings, presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, examined whether time-restricted eating could affect cognitive function in older women. Researchers studied 47 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79 who were overweight or obese.

The women were divided into two groups. One group ate within a restricted window averaging about 8.2 hours per day, typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The second group spread their meals over an average of 12.3 hours. Both groups lost approximately 15 pounds during the study period.

However, researchers found differences in cognitive testing between the groups. Participants who followed the shorter eating window performed better on tests involving spatial planning and problem-solving. They also made fewer mistakes on memory and learning assessments.

Expert Insights

Experts say there are several possible explanations for the findings. Limiting eating hours may help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation and support metabolic health — all factors connected to healthy aging.

Lauri Wright, Ph.D., director of nutrition programs and associate professor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, said the study raises an important question about the relationship between meal timing and overall health.

Researchers believe the approach could have potential because adults who are overweight or obese face increased risks for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as they age.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.