US EditionStudy: SNAP Benefits Tied to Slower Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
UNITED STATES, JUL 30 – A National Institutes of Health study found SNAP participation slowed cognitive decline by 10% over 10 years in adults over 50, suggesting benefits for brain health.
- At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers presented Wednesday that SNAP participation may slow cognitive decline over 10 years.
- In a typical month last year, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helped more than 41 million low-income people, with seven in 10 being older adults, people with disabilities, or families with children.
- Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, researchers tracked more than 2,300 adults aged 50 and older for 10 years and found SNAP participants had a 0.10% slower decline in overall cognitive function.
- Health experts say incorporating food assistance may delay cognitive impairment, with Suhang Song stating, "We hope health care providers will see that potentially delaying cognitive impairment is another reason to help their patients-in-need secure access to food assistance."
- Following recent policy shifts, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump made the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s 86-year history, with the CBO estimating a $186 billion reduction through 2034.
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SNAP participation linked to slower cognitive decline
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, may do more than feed the hungry. It also might slow cognitive decline, according to data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.However, these potential effects differ by racial and ethnic groups, Suhan Song, PhD, assistant professor, health policy and management, University of Georgia College of Public
Food assistance benefits are tied to slower cognitive decline in older adults, new study suggests
For older adults who may otherwise be food-insecure, participating in food assistance benefits may be associated with a slower cognitive decline as they age, according to new research.
FROM THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025: SNAP BENEFITS LINKED TO SLOWER COGNITIVE DECLINE, 10-YEAR STUDY FINDS
Key Takeaways Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may help protect against age-related cognitive decline, suggests an...
Federal food assistance program may slow cognitive decline, study suggests
Older adults who participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, had a slower rate of cognitive decline than people who were eligible for the anti-hunger program but didn’t receive benefits, according to a study presented Wednesday
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