Can eating only during certain hours help aging brains? small study tests the idea
NCT ID NCT05997316
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether a time-restricted eating plan (fasting for 16 hours, 2-3 days a week) is feasible and acceptable for older adults aged 65-80 who have mild cognitive impairment and obesity. 33 participants completed the 12-week program, working with a psychologist to gradually adopt the eating schedule. The researchers also measured changes in memory, thinking skills, and metabolic health, but the main goal was to see if people would stick with the plan.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
time-restricted eating (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a simple dietary strategy to support brain health in older adults at risk for dementia.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early feasibility study with only 33 participants. It was not designed to prove that time-restricted eating improves cognition, only that it is acceptable and doable.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27519, United States