Investigating time-restricted eating to help with Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Time Restricted Eating intervention for Alzheimer's disease (TREAD)
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11089426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changing when you eat might help improve sleep patterns and thinking skills for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find ways to support better health and slow down the progression of these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,023 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AG085253-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how adjusting the timing of food intake can improve circadian rhythms and cognitive function in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to understand the effects of time-restricted eating on disease markers and overall health. By focusing on the relationship between eating patterns and circadian disruption, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies to slow disease progression. Participants will be monitored for changes in cognition and other health indicators throughout the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with time-restricted eating in other populations, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive health, although this specific application in Alzheimer's disease is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Desplats, Paula Alejandra — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Desplats, Paula Alejandra
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.