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A reduced calorie intake produces beneficial changes to metabolism, promoting autophagy and cell maintenance, among other mechanisms, improving health and leading to a modestly slowed pace of aging. Interestingly, adjusting the time of eating in order to experience longer periods of hunger while still consuming the same calorie intake produces outcomes that are broadly similar at the high level, even if somewhat different at the detailed level of metabolism and cell biochemistry.
One might look at the great breadth of research into calorie restriction, time-restricted feeding, and intermittent fasting and conclude that one of the more important factors in the results achieved is the amount of time spent in a state of hunger. In other words that it is the hunger-associated signaling and cellular reactions to that signaling that provide a sizable fraction of the benefits observed when calories are consistently reduced. There are, must be, other mechanisms at work, of course. A low calorie diet sustained over time reduces the burden of harmful inflammatory visceral fat tissue, for example. Further, reducing specific dietary components such as methionine without reducing overall calorie intake can trigger nutrient sensors to induce some of the benefits of calorie restriction. It is an interesting area of study.
Nutrition is one of the modifiable lifestyle factors that has been identified as a potential target for interventions in older adults’ cognitive health and mental well-being. Time Restricted Eating (TRE) and Intermittent Fasting (IFA) are two dietary approaches that have gained popularity in recent years due to their potential health benefits. Time Restricted Eating (TRE), an approach rooted in the alignment of eating patterns with circadian rhythms, centers on limiting the span of time during which food consumption occurs each day and emphasizes the importance of when we eat, along with underscoring the intricate interplay between nutrition and the body’s internal clock within a disciplined time frame typically ranging from 8 to 12 hours.
On the other hand, IFA encompasses a spectrum of fasting regimens with the common thread of cycling between periods of food consumption and periods of calorie restriction or fasting. These dietary approaches, TRE and IFA, have demonstrated their efficacy in improving metabolic health by enhancing factors such as insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid profiles. Additionally, these approaches have been associated with factors linked to increased longevity, including improvements in cardiovascular health and a reduction in the risk of age-related diseases.
Studies have suggested that both IFA and TRE may have beneficial effects on cognitive function and mental health in older adults. The mechanisms underlying these effects are complex and multifaceted, but may involve improvements in glucose metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroplasticity. Both IFA and TRE involve periods of fasting, which can lead to a decrease in insulin resistance and an increase in insulin sensitivity. This can, in turn, improve glucose uptake in the brain, which is important for preserving cognitive function and minimizing the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, improved glucose metabolism may have a protective effect on the brain, lowering the likelihood of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. IFA and TRE may also modulate the gut microbiome, which has been implicated in brain function and mental health.
Recent studies have delved into the association between TRE, cognitive function, and mental health in older adults, yielding somewhat mixed results. While our findings suggest a relationship between TRE and IFA practices and cognitive function and mental health among older adults, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of this relationship. Various factors, including the duration and timing of the eating window and the physical condition of older adults, or even specific subgroups like those aged 70 years and older, can influence the outcomes.
Our systematic review encompasses a range of study designs, each offering unique insights into the effects of fasting interventions on cognitive function and mental health in older adults. Cross-sectional studies revealed that individuals practicing TRE were less likely to exhibit signs of mental health distress, particularly those aged over 70 years. Experimental designs provided preliminary evidence regarding the feasibility and potential efficacy of fasting interventions. Cohort studies tracked participants over time and found that individuals regularly practicing IFA were more likely to revert to successful aging with no cognitive impairment compared to those with irregular or no IFA practice.
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