SNAP Benefits Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

According to research presented Wednesday, older adults participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experience a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those eligible for the program but not receiving benefits.

While cognitive slowdown often starts in midlife, the study revealed that individuals over 50 involved in SNAP, which assists low-income individuals with buying groceries, had a 10% slower decline in memory and thinking skills than their counterparts.

This difference equates to potentially gaining an additional two to three years of cognitive health over a decade, noted Linlin Da, the lead author of the study, during her presentation at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto.

Da indicated that by providing a reliable source of food, SNAP “may have some underappreciated benefits for brain health,” which she studied while pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Georgia College of Public Health.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, surfaced shortly after a significant reduction in SNAP funding was signed into law by President Donald Trump, projected to cut $186 billion through 2034. Food banks in the U.S. are already facing challenges meeting the rising demand due to cutbacks from the Agriculture Department.

Food insecurity can lead to poor nutrition and chronic diseases, both of which can have detrimental effects on brain health, Da explained. She emphasized that improved access to nutritious foods through SNAP might foster better overall health by alleviating stress related to food access.

The research, which awaits publication in a peer-reviewed journal, leaves several questions unanswered. For instance, the researchers did not analyze the specific foods consumed by participants, leaving it unclear if those receiving SNAP benefits maintained healthier diets.

However, healthcare professionals understand that high-sodium diets are linked to elevated blood pressure, a significant risk factor for dementia, as highlighted by Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chief science officer for brain health and stroke at the American Heart Association.

Additionally, the study doesn’t clarify the mechanism by which food security might positively impact brain health, Elkind noted. For example, SNAP may alleviate the anxiety associated with affording groceries, perhaps freeing up mental resources for other concerns. Chronic stress has been connected to higher dementia risks.

The study’s design, which tracked over 2,300 older adults for a decade, doesn’t definitively prove that SNAP participation directly protects brain health. It’s possible those who enrolled in SNAP might have been cognitively healthier from the outset, Da pointed out. Moreover, navigating the application process can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties.

A growing body of research connects nutrition, food security, and dementia risk. “Around the globe, studies have shown a correlation between food insecurity and poor cognitive health,” remarked Kriti Jain, a health administrator at the National Institute on Aging, who was not involved in this research. “Recent findings suggest food insecurity often precedes cognitive declines.”

Da mentioned that brain health is influenced by more than just genetics. Cognitive aging can also be affected by policies, environmental factors, and access to resources. This suggests there’s potential for improvement.

Anti-hunger organizations argue that cutting SNAP benefits will contribute to hunger and health issues. Research indicates that poverty and food insecurity—conditions where people lack reliable access to nutritious food—are prevalent risk factors for malnutrition among older adults.

“SNAP serves as both a lifeline for older adults and a vital public health tool,” stated Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center, an advocacy group. “Participating in SNAP can result in extra years of cognitive health, allowing older adults to maintain their independence instead of moving into nursing care.”

The Republican-led House Agriculture Committee responded to funding cuts, asserting that the changes would realign SNAP with its original purpose—encouraging work over welfare—while saving taxpayer dollars and investing in American agriculture.

Food as Medicine

Karen Forbes, 61, first accessed SNAP years ago while raising a young child alone. She reapplied during the pandemic when her pet sitting business declined. Living near Portland, Oregon, Forbes has found SNAP especially vital since developing long Covid in 2022, which has caused debilitating fatigue and cognitive challenges resembling age-related decline. She mentioned going through “a sort of Alzheimer’s thing” alongside her 82-year-old father.

Forbes expressed frustration at her previous ability to communicate quickly but now often struggles to articulate her thoughts clearly. Recently, after an 18-month wait, she began receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Thanks to SNAP, she doesn’t have to choose between groceries and paying her rent or utilities. A highlight of the program for her is the ability to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Oregon’s SNAP initiative offers “double benefits” at farmers’ markets, allowing individuals to buy more produce for their money. Forbes aims to maintain a healthy diet in hopes of improving her condition.

“For someone dealing with chronic illness, every small step to enhance health makes a huge difference,” she remarked.

Food Insecurity Linked to Dementia

Jain characterized food insecurity as a significant and escalating public health concern in the United States. For families with members over 60, the incidence of food insecurity has nearly doubled in the last two decades. From 2015 to 2019, 23% of such families experienced chronic food insecurity, according to NIH data published last year.

Another study released last year indicated that food insecurity increased the risk of cognitive decline. Furthermore, a paper published in 2024 in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that adults facing food insecurity and poor-quality diets experienced notable declines in cognitive function between 2012 and 2020. However, participation in SNAP did not correlate with mental decline, suggesting that SNAP alone may not be enough to counteract the cognitive impacts of an inadequate diet.

Unprecedented Cutbacks

The Urban Institute estimates that upcoming funding reductions could affect 22.3 million families, potentially resulting in the loss of some or all food benefits. This 20% decrease represents “the largest cut to SNAP in history,” according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research organization. The changes are expected to transfer much of the program’s financial responsibility from the federal government to state governments starting in 2028, alongside expanded work requirements.

Currently, of the 42 million people involved in SNAP, 70% are older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. The new study emphasizes the need for more research on the impact of healthy diets and nutrition on brain health. Elkind noted the importance of exploring “food as medicine,” specifically the effects of providing healthy food on cognition and dementia risk.