Time-restricted feeding and cognitive function in sedentary and physically active elderly individuals: Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting as a model

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting (RDIF) on cognitive performance, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia in physically active and sedentary elderly individuals.MethodsA total of 58 participants (62.93 ± 3.99 years) were assigned to one of the following two groups: a sedentary group (control group) who observed Ramadan (n = 32) and a physically active group (n = 26) who continued to train while observing Ramadan. Participants were assessed 2 weeks before Ramadan and during the fourth week of Ramadan. On each occasion, participants completed a digital assessment of their cognitive performance and responded to the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), the insomnia severity index (ISI) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) questionnaires to assess sleep parameters.ResultsCompared to before Ramadan, performance in executive function (p = 0.035), attention (p = 0.005), inhibition (p = 0.02), associative memory (p = 0.041), and recognition memory (p = 0.025) increased significantly during Ramadan in the physically active group. For the sedentary group, associative learning performance decreased (p = 0.041), whilst performances in the remaining domains remained unchanged during Ramadan. Global PSQI, ISI, and ESS scores indicated both groups suffered from poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness, with significantly higher negative effects of RDIF observed in the sedentary group.ConclusionOlder adults who continue to train at least three times per week during Ramadan may improve their cognitive performance, despite the impairment of sleep quality. Future studies in older adults during Ramadan including objective measures of sleep (e.g., polysomnography, actigraphy) and brain function (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging) are warranted.

Effect of time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting on cognitive function and mental health in older adults: A systematic review

“… IF practice was associated with improved cognitive function. Partial mediation observed through higher SOD activity, lower DNA damage, lower CRP levels, and higher HDL-cholesterol levels.. Boujelbane et al (2022) , Tunisia N = 58, Mean age = 62.9, S.D = 3.9 Experimental design Participants assessed 2 weeks before Ramadan (non-fasting condition) and during the fourth week of Ramadan (fasting condition). During Ramadan, participants in the active group continued to train in a fasted state at the same time as before Ramadan, while the control group did not perform any physical training program.…”

“… Boujelbane et al (2022) observed that physically active individuals who underwent four weeks of fasting exhibited improved cognitive performance, while sedentary individuals experienced a decline in cognitive abilities. During Ramadan (fasting period), the physically active group showed significant enhancements in executive function (p = 0.035), attention (p = 0.005), inhibition (p = 0.02), associative memory (p = 0.041), and recognition memory (p = 0.025).…”

Review of the Literature on Ramadan Fasting and Health in 2022

“…The first study investigated the effect of RF on cognitive performance, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia of physically active and sedentary elderly individuals. 58 The study involved 58 participants, with an average age of 62.9 years, who were assigned to one of two groups: a sedentary group (CG) who observed Ramadan ( n = 32) and a physically active group ( n = 26) who continued to train while observing Ramadan. The participants completed digital assessments of their cognitive performance and responded to questionnaires assessing sleep parameters 2 weeks before and during the fourth week of Ramadan.…”

Psychological Impact of Ramadan Fasting: Insights for General Population and Athletes

“…The daily practice of fasting, and self-restraint required during Ramadan appears to cultivate traits like patience, gratitude, and impulse control that promote mental wellbeing. Additionally, RF has been linked to positive cognitive effects, such as enhanced attention, focus, and working memory capacity [5]. The molecular basis of this may be due to (i) the altered expression of neurotrophic factors that support neuronal health and plasticity, similar to that shown during intermittent fasting and/or (ii) the altered circadian rhythms and metabolic shifts that may also impact aspects of brain function [6].…”