Correlation of nighttime fasting duration with cognitive decline in older adults: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2011-2014

Zixuan Liu; Tao Yuan; Yuxuan Ma; Ruimin Wang

doi:10.71321/pzxtk440

Authors

Zixuan Liu School of Basic Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China.
Tao Yuan Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine; Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
Yuxuan Ma Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine; Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
Ruimin Wang School of Basic Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China. Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine; Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71321/pzxtk440

Keywords:

Cognitive Function, Nutrition Examination Survey, Nighttime Fasting Duration, US National Health

Abstract

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is a significant health challenge in the global elderly population, and its prevalence is associated with multiple factors, including modifiable lifestyle factors. The relationship between nighttime fasting duration, a potential lifestyle factor, and cognitive function has yet to be thoroughly investigated.

Objective: To investigate the association between nighttime fasting duration and cognitive function.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014. Weighted multiple linear regression was utilized to examine the relationship between nighttime fasting duration and cognitive function, with additional curve fitting and inflection point analysis conducted to further elucidate this association

Results: There was a significant negative linear relationship between nighttime fasting duration and cognitive function (Learn: β = -1.2, 95% CI: -1.98, -0.43, P = 0.006; Recall: β = -1.1, 95% CI: -2.11, -0.09, P = 0.036; Animal Fluency: β = -4.49, 95% CI: -7.26, -1.72, P = 0.004; Digit Symbol Substitution Test: β = -12.66, 95% CI: -19.30, -6.01, P = 0.002). Subgroup analyses showed that this negative correlation was prevalent in most subgroups. Curve fitting revealed a linear relationship between nighttime fasting duration and cognitive function scores, but did not identify a significant inflection point.

Conclusions: Longer nighttime fasting times may be associated with cognitive decline, either as a continuous or categorical variable.

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