Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Chronobiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Circadian rhythm disruptions are linked to increased risk and worsening of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
• Meal timing acts as a crucial zeitgeber for synchronizing circadian rhythms.
• Emerging evidence suggests meal timing patterns influence cognitive function, though optimal strategies remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and explore potential associations between distinct meal timing patterns and cognitive function.
• To synthesize current research on how different eating schedules may affect cognition.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus).
• Initial search yielded 2,896 studies; 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review.
• Included studies featured diverse populations (N=26–3,111, age 15.9–60+ years).

Main Results:

• Most reviewed studies focused on Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) and Intermittent Fasting (IF).
• Evidence suggests earlier meal consumption may enhance cognitive function.
• Specific timings, like lunch after 12:00 PM, may benefit performance, while night shift eating could be detrimental. One study linked TRF to higher cognitive impairment prevalence.

Conclusions:

• A link exists between meal timing and cognitive function, but current evidence is largely based on cross-sectional studies.
• Limitations include small sample sizes and lack of comprehensive covariate analysis (e.g., sleep, activity).
• Future research should emphasize longitudinal and interventional studies with larger, diverse samples to clarify these relationships.