Intermittent fasting's effects on brain health in older adults

Time Restricted Eating for Prevention of Age-related Vascular Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of Oklahoma · NCT06019195

This study is testing if eating only during a 10-hour window each day can help improve brain health and thinking skills in healthy older adults aged 55 to 80.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages55 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT06019195 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how time-restricted eating (TRE) impacts brain health in healthy older adults aged 55 to 80. Participants will adhere to a 10-hour eating window each day for six months, with the aim of improving cognitive performance and endothelial function. The study will assess neurovascular responses and the activation of protective pathways related to brain health. By evaluating these effects, the research seeks to provide insights into dietary interventions that could enhance cognitive function in aging populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 55 to 80 who can adhere to the study's dietary regimen.

Not a fit: Patients with active CNS diseases, major psychiatric disorders, or those on specific diabetes medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve cognitive health and overall brain function in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of intermittent fasting has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach focusing on brain health in older adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥55 and ≤80 years of age
* Adequate hearing and visual acuity to participate in the examinations
* Ability to read and write in English
* Competence to provide informed consent.
* Mini Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥12
* Mini Nutritional Assessment ≥12

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vision or hearing impairment that would impair the ability to complete study assessments
* Active CNS disease including multiple sclerosis, uncontrolled seizures, active brain cancer
* Cerebrovascular accident other than TIA within 60 days prior to Visit 0
* Major psychiatric disease, including major depression not currently controlled on medications, alcohol or drug abuse
* Diabetics prescribed sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and insulin
* Any other medical condition which, in the opinion of investigator, would render the patient inappropriate or too unstable to complete the study protocol

Where this trial is running

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intermittent FastingAging
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.