Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 55 to 89

Time-restricted eating for adults with mild cognitive impairment

Official title: Time-Restricted Eating in Alzheimer's Disease : The T.R.E.A.D Trial

Run by St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix · NCT06429124 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a time-restricted eating plan can help improve brain function and health in adults aged 60-80 with mild cognitive impairment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages55 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 15, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 2025
Study endsMarch 14, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 6, 2025
Trial IDNCT06429124 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 60-80 who meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment and have a body mass index between 18.5 and 40.0.

Probably not a fit

Patients with diabetes requiring insulin treatment, eating disorders, or contraindications to time-restricted eating may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a time-restricted eating regimen among adults aged 60-80 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants will follow a 16/8 fasting schedule, where they fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window, five days a week for three months. The study will evaluate the impact of this dietary intervention on cognitive performance and metabolic health through neuropsychological tests and biomarker assessments. The research will also measure participant recruitment, retention, acceptability, safety, and adherence to the regimen.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary strategies that improve cognitive function and metabolic health in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of time-restricted eating is gaining interest, this specific application in mild cognitive impairment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or Female outpatients 55-89 years of age.
2. Meet Mayo Clinic Criteria for MCI.
3. If taking medications that may affect one or more study outcome measures(such as donepezil and memantine),the participant must be on a stable dose for at least the preceding 3 months.
4. A body mass index ≥18.5 and \<40.0 kg/m2.
5. Access to the internet through computer or smartphone.
6. Must have a collateral informant/study partner(e.g. spouse or adult child) who has significant direct contact with the patient and who is willing to accompany the patient to specified clinic visits and be available for telephone visits/Interviews.
7. An education level \> 8 years.
8. A proficiency in speaking and reading English or having a family member who is proficient in reading and speaking English and is willing to serve as a translator.
9. Vision and hearing must be sufficient to comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diabetes mellitus that requires insulin treatment or is not well managed.
2. An eating disorder.
3. A contraindication to time-restricted eating.
4. Daily eating window \<11 hours/day on ≥3 days/week.
5. MMSE score ≤9 or patients diagnosed with severe dementia by a clinician.
6. In the opinion of the investigator, participation would not be in the best interest of the subject.
7. Taking prescription medications twice a day that need to be taken with food.

Where it's running

  • Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions
    Phoenix, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • Barrow Neurological Institute, Division of Alzheimer's Disease
    Phoenix, Arizona, United States
    Enrolling by invitation

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Yonas E Geda, MD, MSc — Barrow Neurological Institute, Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Disorders Division
  • Study coordinator: Yonas E Geda, MD, MSc
  • Email: yonas.geda@commonspirit.org
  • Phone: 833-233-3073

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.