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

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.