PARTICIPATION in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is associated with slower cognitive decline in older adults, potentially offering a protective effect against age-related cognitive impairments. Over a decade-long period, individuals enrolled in SNAP experienced a cognitive decline 0.10% slower than their counterparts who were eligible for the program but did not participate. This equates to an additional 2-3 years of cognitive health, according to researchers.
The analysis, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2025, used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to compare the cognitive function of 1,131 SNAP participants to 1,216 non-participants. Findings suggest that food insecurity, which negatively impacts cognitive function, may be mitigated through food assistance programs, ultimately supporting brain health in aging populations.
“By participating in SNAP, older adults may significantly delay the onset of mild cognitive impairment or dementia,” said Linlin Da, lead author of the study. “This has profound implications for quality of life, as it allows individuals to maintain cognitive function longer, supporting their independence in daily tasks.”
Although the benefits were observed across all racial and ethnic groups, the study highlighted disparities in the degree of cognitive protection. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants experienced a smaller benefit compared to non-Hispanic White participants, suggesting the need for targeted policies to reduce cognitive health disparities among racial and ethnic groups.
The study underscores the broader implications for public health, advocating for equitable access to programs like SNAP. Health professionals may consider recommending these programs as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent cognitive decline in older adults, particularly for those at higher risk due to socio-economic factors.
Reference:
Alzheimer’s Association. SNAP Nutrition Program Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. July 30, 2025. Available at: https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2025/snap-nutrition-program-linked-slower-cognitive-decline.asp. Last accessed: August 3, 2025.
