Fasting for Memory: Dementia Risk Reduced?

Intermittent fasting may offer a way to reduce the risk of dementia, according to new research. A small trial conducted at Rutgers University involved 47 overweight and obese women aged 50 to 79. Participants were asked to reduce their calorie intake, with about half also restricting their eating to an eight-hour window daily.

After six months, both groups lost approximately 15 pounds. However, the women who practiced intermittent fasting demonstrated improved performance on memory, problem-solving, and spatial-thinking tests. Researchers proposed that limiting daily eating hours could potentially lower dementia risk.

One of the study's lead investigators, Sue Shapses, suggested that stopping food intake four hours before sleep and maintaining an eight to nine-hour eating window could provide additional benefits compared to a typical 12-hour window. The study also highlighted a strong correlation between weight loss and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting intermittent fasting's cognitive benefits. Experts not involved in the study noted its positive alignment with previous findings in mice and early Alzheimer's patients. Separately, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential NHS availability of new Alzheimer's drugs.