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Older adults experiencing slower cognitive decline may be due to receiving food assistance benefits, a recent study proposes.

Older adults who might experience food insecurity could potentially witness a slowed cognitive decay with participation in food assistance programs, as suggested by recent studies.

Older adults experiencing a decrease in cognitive function may find relief through food assistance...
Older adults experiencing a decrease in cognitive function may find relief through food assistance benefits, according to a recent study.

Older adults experiencing slower cognitive decline may be due to receiving food assistance benefits, a recent study proposes.

In a groundbreaking study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025, researchers found that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be associated with a slower cognitive decline for older adults.

Over a 10-year period, SNAP participants showed a slower decline in cognitive function compared to eligible people who were not participating in the program. On average, this amounts to about one full point of preserved cognition for SNAP participants.

The study, led by Linlin Da, a Ph.D. candidate in health services research at the University of Georgia, analysed data from the nationwide Health and Retirement Study, tracking cognitive function over 10 years in adults aged 50+ who were SNAP participants versus eligible non-participants.

The results showed that SNAP participants experienced a 0.10% slower annual decline in overall cognitive function, a small but meaningful difference that accumulates over time. This slower decline corresponds roughly to a delay of 2 to 3 years in cognitive aging, effectively extending years of brain health.

The protective impact of SNAP is attributed to its role in improving food security and nutrition among vulnerable populations, which in turn supports brain health. Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, emphasized that a balanced diet, such as a Mediterranean-style diet, can help neutralize risk elements related to cognitive decline.

The study found no significant racial differences in executive function, but a slightly faster decline in cognition and memory among Black and Hispanic adults compared with White adults. However, the protective effect of SNAP was much stronger among White adults.

The findings reinforce that everyday nutrition availability is a modifiable factor contributing to cognitive resilience in later life. Experts emphasize the importance of equitable access to SNAP to reduce disparities in cognitive aging, especially across different racial and ethnic groups.

Dr. Isaacson also stated that maintaining cognitive health requires not just diet, but also regular exercise, doctor visits, and control of vascular risk factors. He established one of the first Alzheimer’s prevention clinics in the United States.

However, some public health experts worry that cuts to SNAP could lead to higher rates of food insecurity and poorer health outcomes in the long run. The President’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which makes the largest cuts to food stamps in the program’s 86-year history, jeopardizes assistance for millions of people.

On average, SNAP participants may receive an estimated $6.16 per day per person in benefits. Nearly 37% of SNAP participants are in households with older adults or people with disabilities. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker stated in a news release that the Trump Administration's cuts to SNAP benefits could threaten the well-being of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans, putting their health and welfare at risk.

In summary, the study suggests that participating in SNAP may be a public health tool against age-related cognitive deterioration. Maintaining equitable access to the program is crucial for reducing disparities in cognitive aging, especially across different racial and ethnic groups.

  1. The groundbreaking study at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025 proposes that SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, may slow cognitive decline for older adults.
  2. Over a ten-year period,elderly SNAP participants demonstrated a slower cognitive function decline compared to their eligible non-participant counterparts, equating to approximately one full point of preserved cognition.
  3. Experts in mental health and neurodegenerative diseases stress that both diet and exercise play essential roles in maintaining cognitive health, with the Mediterranean diet being particularly beneficial.
  4. Concerns regarding proposed cuts to SNAP, such as the President's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, highlight potential threats to the well-being of millions, with Illinois alone facing the risk of jeopardizing health and welfare for hundreds of thousands of its residents.

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