# Late Dinners and Skipped Breakfasts Linked to Higher Dementia Risk

*Late-night dinner, skipping breakfast, and the risk of dementia in Japan: the LIFE Study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: GeroScience
- **Sample Size**: 283,166 older adults (average age 73)
- **Authors**: Kawaguchi K, Maeda M, Oda F, Nakashima Y, Fukuda H
- **Published**: 2026-07-28
- **Topics**: dementia, meal timing, brain health
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-026-02438-x
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42518136/

## Summary

In older adults in Japan, eating dinner close to bedtime was tied to a higher chance of getting dementia. Skipping breakfast was linked to higher risk too. This doesn't prove meal timing causes dementia, but it's a strong pattern worth noting for anyone who eats late.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests regular meal timing may matter for long-term brain health.

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_Canonical: https://usa-longevity.com/en/research/late-dinners-and-skipped-breakfasts-linked-to-higher-dementia-risk · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-07-28_