A decade-long study finds older adults using food assistance programs may experience slower cognitive decline, potentially delaying dementia by years.
Study Links Nutrition Assistance to Brain Health
New research suggests that participating in food assistance programs like SNAP may help slow cognitive decline in older adults, potentially preserving two to three years of cognitive health. The findings were presented this week at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Food Aid Tied to Slower Cognitive Decline in Seniors, highlighting the broader health implications of social support systems.
Research Spanning Ten Years Reveals Measurable Impact
The University of Georgia study followed more than 2,000 adults aged 50 and above across the United States from 2010 to 2020. Participants were assessed every two years for memory, executive function, and overall cognition. Those enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) showed a slower annual decline in cognitive function than eligible non-participants.
Lead author Linlin Da noted the cognitive preservation was equivalent to delaying mild cognitive impairment by nearly a decade for some individuals, especially those beginning from a healthy baseline.
Food Access Seen as Protective Factor
While the research shows only an association, not causation, the findings reinforce earlier studies linking food insecurity with faster cognitive decline. According to Da, the results emphasize that “supporting basic needs like food access can have long-term benefits for brain health.”
Older adults with access to nutritious food are more likely to consume brain-healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
Policy Cuts Threaten Nutritional Safety Net
The results arrive at a time when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introduced by President Donald Trump, proposes the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s history, slashing nearly $187 billion over the next decade. Critics warn that these cuts could jeopardize food access for millions and undermine public health gains, especially among seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the move, calling it a threat to the well-being of hundreds of thousands of residents.
Racial Disparities and Varying Impact
The study also observed racial disparities in cognitive decline, with Black and Hispanic participants experiencing faster declines in memory and cognition compared to White participants. However, SNAP participation was associated with slower cognitive decline across all groups, with the most pronounced benefits seen in White participants.
Experts Support Broader Role of Diet in Prevention
Neurologists unaffiliated with the study agree the findings are significant. Dr. Shae Datta of NYU Langone Health remarked that any program supporting access to nutritious food could help delay cognitive impairment, especially when paired with other preventive strategies.
Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, emphasized the need for a balanced diet, including green vegetables, fatty fish, and healthy fats, many of which are cost-prohibitive without assistance.
“The Mediterranean-style diet remains the gold standard,” Isaacson said. “But it’s expensive. Nutrition support programs fill that gap for those who otherwise can’t afford these foods.”
Broader Implications for Aging Populations
While food alone isn’t a cure-all, experts agree it’s a key part of a broader strategy to prevent age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. Maintaining brain health also involves regular exercise, routine medical care, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
As debates around social policy and healthcare funding continue, this study adds weight to the argument that nutrition is preventive medicine—especially for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.
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