Recruiting

Time-restricted eating and Mediterranean diet for menopausal women's brain health

Plain-English translation of NCT07378787 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This 6-month study is testing whether a lifestyle approach combining time-restricted eating (eating all meals within an 8-hour window each day) with a low-glycemic Mediterranean diet can help improve memory and thinking skills, slow biological aging, and support metabolic health in women experiencing perimenopause or menopause. About half of the 72 women in the study will follow this eating plan, while the other half will continue their normal diet to serve as a comparison group.

Menopause and perimenopause bring changes to metabolism, brain function, and aging processes in women. Researchers want to understand whether structured eating patterns and a Mediterranean-style diet can help protect brain health and support overall wellness during this life stage.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 45 and 75 years old
you are in late perimenopause (with two or more skipped periods and at least 60 days without a period) or have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle
you have a BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher
you are comfortable using smartphone or computer apps to track your diet
any medications you take have been at a stable dose for at least 12 months

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease
you are currently taking hormone replacement therapy
you have type 1 diabetes, severe metabolic disorders, heart disease, or neurodegenerative conditions
you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder or severe mental health condition
you have severe food allergies or dietary restrictions that would prevent you from following the study meal plan

What participation looks like

If you're selected for the active group, you'll follow an 8-hour eating window (eating all meals between specific hours, like 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and eat Mediterranean-style foods with lower glycemic index. You'll use a smartphone app to track your meals and get personalized dietary guidance. If you're in the comparison group, you'll continue eating normally. All participants will visit the research center at the start, at week 6, and at week 12 for tests of memory, blood work, body measurements, and other health markers. After week 12, there's an additional 12-week follow-up period to see how well people stick with the plan and whether benefits last.

Time-restricted eating and Mediterranean diet for menopausal women's brain health

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)