SNAP Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
“Adults who participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, experienced slightly slower cognitive decline over the course of a decade than those who were eligible for the program but did not enroll in it. That’s according to new research presented Wednesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
Diet and brain health are closely connected, and not having enough food is associated with poorer cognitive function and higher incidences of dementia in older adults. The differing rates of cognitive decline seen in the new study may be because using SNAP benefits can enhance the quality of people’s diets and ensure they receive enough calories and nutrients, said Suhang Song, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Georgia College of Public Health, who led the study.
It’s also possible that SNAP freed up financial resources for other health essentials (like medication for a chronic disease) or helped to reduce stress, both of which are good for brain health, Dr. Song said.
The research was released just weeks after Congress passed a government spending bill that could cut SNAP funding by an estimated 20 percent. Those cuts could result in millions of peoplelosing access to the benefit.”
Read more at New York Times.