Rutgers University Study Finds Meal Timing May Enhance Brain Health in Older Women
A recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University suggests that the timing of meals may play a significant role in maintaining brain health as people age. The study, presented at the NUTRITION 2026 meeting, involved 47 women aged 50 to 79 who were either overweight or obese. Participants were instructed to reduce their daily calorie intake by 500 calories. However, one group was also asked to consume all their food within an eight to nine-hour window each day, typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. This group showed greater improvements in cognitive tests related to spatial planning and problem-solving compared to those who ate over a typical 12-hour period. The findings suggest that meal timing, in addition to calorie reduction, may help preserve cognitive functions such as memory and attention. 
