Eating all meals within an eight-to-nine-hour window daily could improve brain health beyond weight loss, based on recent research. Presented at the NUTRITION 2026 conference by the American Society for Nutrition, the study shows cognitive improvements in participants reducing their eating hours.

The research, led by Sue Shapses, professor at Rutgers University and Rutgers-RWJ Medical Center, involved a randomized controlled trial. Both groups in the study lost about 8 percent of their weight, but cognitive benefits were noted only in those restricting their eating to an eight-hour window compared to a 12-hour eating schedule.

However, the research is limited to women who are overweight or obese and actively losing weight. Shapses highlights that the study does not extend findings to leaner women or men.

The risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia rises with aging populations, and diet plays a role in these conditions. Yet, few studies address whether altering such habits can mitigate this risk.

Study Details

The study recruited 47 overweight or obese women between 50 and 79 years old. Participants reduced daily caloric intake by 500 calories as part of a weight-loss program. Twenty-six women adhered to a time-restricted eating plan, usually eating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., averaging 8.2 hours daily. The rest followed a typical 12-hour eating schedule.

After six months, both groups lost an average of 15 pounds. However, improved cognitive performance, particularly in spatial planning and problem-solving, was noted only in those with reduced eating windows. There was also a trend toward fewer errors in memory and learning tasks, although not statistically significant.

Those with more restricted eating schedules showed greater cognitive improvements. Shapses suggests this strategy might suit those unable to strictly adhere daily, as deviations from the schedule were observed among study participants.

If adherence to the plan isn’t possible daily due to specific events, occasional deviations are acceptable, Shapses noted.

Though promising, the study’s small size means findings are preliminary. Shapses plans further analysis and submission for peer review.

For more information, refer to the American Society for Nutrition and ScienceDaily’s publication on July 27, 2026. Newsweek editors Kara Dolman and Emma Lee-Sang contributed to this story.