The National Institutes of Health presents a new study showing that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) promotes the slowing of cognitive decline in older adults in the United States with incomes below the average. The study is a major boost to research into dementia and other age-related difficulties. Crystal McCarter, a representative of Sharon’s Senior Services, explains that healthy eating helps the mental health of older adults and those around them. Read on to learn more about this valuable study for social assistance and older adults.
“Participation in SNAP slowed cognitive decline in low-income seniors. “
A recent report released presents that participation in SNAP slowed cognitive decline in low-income seniors. These conclusions were done over the past ten years and are among the first to show cognitive benefits for low-income individuals and families who depend on SNAP assistance to buy food.
The 1% slower decline in general cognitive function
A study funded by the National Institute of Health compared more than 1,000 SNAP people who are participants with those who don’t receive benefits. The results proved that participants had a 1% slower decline in general cognitive function. At the same time that might seem like a small percentage, it adds up to an extra two to three years of cognitive health. This program is crucial for older adults dure to the fact that it provides them with nutritious, meals that are affordable when they might not be getting the nutrients they require.
Food insecurity affects cognitive activity
The analysis, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 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.
Demographic insights: all data you must know
Conducted using data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS), researchers compared a diverse group of people aged 50 and older. The study’s cohort included 1,131 participants enrolled in SNAP and 1,216 who were eligible but did not partake in the program. Evaluations of memory, executive functions—responsible for planning and executing tasks—were conducted biennially from 2010 to 2020 through telephonic or web-based interviews. Participants exhibiting cognitive impairment at the outset were excluded from the final analysis.
While a difference of 0.10 points in cognitive decline annually may appear minimal, its long-term implications are profound. The slower rate of decline could potentially defer the onset of mild cognitive impairment by nearly a decade for those beginning with healthy cognitive scores. This delay allows individuals to maintain their ability to manage medications, finances, and daily routines longer, ultimately fostering greater independence and quality of life as they age.
Difficulty to remember to eat
Crystal McCarter, supervisor at Sharon’s Senior ServicesPeople with dementia, had explained that they already often have difficulty remembering to eat or difficulty preparing meals: “Without snap, affording healthy, regular meals becomes even harder.”
McCarter underlined that many of the patients who attend the senior daycare use SNAP, and she’s seen the physical, mental, and emotional welfare for both seniors and their caregivers. Nevertheless, cuts are threatening to put even more elders at risk.
“A lot of people have seen a decrease in their snap, and I’ve seen the repercussions of that”.
McCarter has seen the difficulty to firsthand through her grandfather, who suffered from dementia. She is concious about how hard it can be to put food on the table.
