As SNAP benefits remain in limbo, research suggests programs like it may do more than just fill empty stomachs — it could help protect the brains of older adults.
Thousands of older Arizonans are eligible for SNAP but don’t participate, and there are health consequences for poor nutrition, according to research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
"So they found that SNAP participants had a 0.1% lower decline in overall cognitive function, and that difference is significant in the long term. So adding to an estimated two to three additional years of cognitive health."
Kinsey McManus is with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Desert Southwest Chapter in Phoenix.
“Really when we're talking about older adults in general, it’s two more years of functioning effectively, right? Cognitively,” McManus said.
Researchers looked at data from more than 2,000 people, aged 50 and older.
“So they enrolled white, black, and Hispanic Americans. What they found was that white Americans showed much slower decline than other groups, and the findings really highlight the potential benefits of food assistance programs to also support older adults' cognitive health,” she said.
