Time restricted eating through self-regulatory behaviors for metabolic and cognitive health in mild cognitive impairment: Feasibility and acceptability findings from the TEMPO trial.

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) occur at 1.5-2-fold higher rates among adults with obesity or metabolic syndrome. Time restricted eating (TRE) represents a portable and potentially effective strategy to enhance metabolic function and reduce ADRD risk.ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of TRE among older adults with MCI and metabolic risk.MethodsWe assessed a 16-18-h TRE protocol, implemented 2-3 days per week, among older adults (65-85 years of age) with MCI (proposed n = 40) and metabolic risk over 12-weeks. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and completion of trial activities, while Acceptability was assessed using psychometric self-report. Cognitive function was assessed using a standard neuropsychological test battery, including tests of Executive Function/Processing Speed (Trail Making, Stroop, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Animal Naming, Digit Span, and Digit Symbol Substitution Tests), Learning/Memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised and Benton Visual Memory Test-Revised. We also examined treatment- and state-dependent changes in metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, including multiple ketone metabolites and pro-inflammatory cytokines, among others.ResultsFrom 9/28/23 until 3/25/25, thirty-three individuals (83% of target goal [n = 40]) were recruited. Enrolled participants completed all treatment sessions and assessments (100%) and self-reported Acceptability was high. Modification of study recruitment practices and inclusion criteria allowed for an increased screening-to-recruitment ratios over the course of the trial, rising from 1.3% to 11.1%, while still resulting in appropriate recruitment of individuals with MCI.ConclusionsTRE is a feasible and acceptable intervention among older adults with metabolic risk factors.