Food for Thought: Experts Discuss Link Between SNAP Benefits and Cognition

Food insecurity — defined as a lack of consistent access to sufficient food for a healthy lifestyle — affected an estimated 13.5% of US households (18 million) in 2023, an increase from 12.8% (17 million) in 2022.¹

Arising from a combination of factors such as financial constraints and poor diet and nutrition, food insecurity is believed to trigger stress pathways and increase risk for cardiometabolic events and mental illness. In addition, research has shown that food insecurity increases risk for cognitive decline.²

To mitigate the effects of food insecurity, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible working adults, older individuals, and people with disabilities. Eligibility is determined by sociodemographic factors such as income, household size, and race and ethnicity.³

However, in early 2025, the federal government enacted nearly $300 billion in cuts to SNAP through 2034, marking the largest reduction in the program’s history. While the full effect of this change remains unclear, experts warn that weakening SNAP could deepen the hunger crisis and negatively affect both public health and the broader economy.^4,5

Programs like SNAP aren’t just about food; they may also be an important part of protecting cognitive health. Encouraging eligible patients to enroll in SNAP could be a simple, low-cost way of supporting healthier aging alongside medical care and lifestyle advice.

Long-Term Study: Link Between SNAP & Cognition

At the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers discussed results of a 10-year national study analyzing the effect of SNAP benefits on cognitive decline.

The study assessed memory and executive function in a diverse cohort of older adults, some receiving SNAP benefits and others not. The researchers observed a 0.10% slower annual rate of cognitive decline among SNAP recipients, which they say has significant long-term implications.⁶ Corresponding author Suhang Song, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia College of Public Health, noted, “We found that older adults with vs without SNAP benefits experienced a slower loss of memory and thinking skills. In fact, the difference between these groups added up to several years of healthier cognitive aging.”

Benefits and Limitations of SNAP

Understanding both the advantages and limitations of SNAP is essential for health care providers, policymakers, and communities aiming to reduce food insecurity and promote healthy aging.

“Programs like SNAP aren’t just about food; they may also be an important part of protecting cognitive health. Encouraging eligible patients to enroll in SNAP could be a simple, low-cost way of supporting healthier aging alongside medical care and lifestyle advice,” Dr Song said.

Andrew Ho, DO, a neurologist affiliated with Banner-University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, agreed that SNAP plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity and supporting overall health, but emphasized key limitations. He explained, “While SNAP helps by providing monetary support for groceries and reducing both food gaps and the stress of meals, it does not guarantee a healthy diet.”

Providers, therefore, must also consider factors like income requirements, asset and exempt limits, purchase restrictions, state waivers, and benefit amount.⁷ Dr Ho noted that SNAP benefits can be used for both nutritious and less nutritious foods, emphasizing that “food access” and not “diet quality” were measured in the analysis by Song and her colleagues.⁶

“Participation in SNAP may not prevent adverse cognitive effects, with benefits less pronounced in populations facing additional socioeconomic and structural barriers,” Dr Ho said.

Although SNAP was associated with slower cognitive decline overall, the benefits were less significant for Black and Hispanic older adults. To explain this disparity, Dr Song pointed to barriers such as sign-up challenges, reduced access to healthy foods, and other systemic inequities faced by minority populations.⁶

Other researchers have also identified disparities in cognitive function across racial and ethnic groups, noting that Black individuals, compared with White individuals, experience higher cumulative stress exposures, which can result in lower executive function and episodic memory.⁸

Notes From the Field: Considerations for Clinical Practice

Given the scope of food insecurity, many hospitals and health care practices are beginning to incorporate screening for social determinants of health into routine care, alongside physical and mental health concerns. However, studies suggest that nearly half of eligible families remain unaware of SNAP and similar support programs.⁸

The gap in awareness, compounded by stigma and other barriers, highlights the critical role health care providers can play in identifying and addressing food insecurity during clinical encounters. Dr Ho shared practical strategies for how clinicians can approach the topic with sensitivity.

“Providers can start by asking simple, respectful questions about whether patients ever worry about running out of food or struggle to afford groceries. Normalizing these conversations helps reduce stigma, making it easier for patients to share their experiences. When food insecurity is identified, providers can educate patients about the link to cognitive decline, offer resources to SNAP or local food banks, and reinforce that nutrition is part of overall brain health. Even brief discussions during a clinic visit can make a meaningful difference in linking patients to support,” Dr Ho said.

National organizations are also encouraging this approach. The American Hospital Association (AHA), for example, supports integrating food insecurity screening and patient education into clinical workflows.⁸

In a press release for the SNAP-cognition study,⁷ Dr Song reinforced this message, saying, “We hope health care providers will see that potentially delaying cognitive impairment is another reason to help their patients-in-need secure access to food assistance.”

Moving Forward: Expanding Access, Effectiveness, and Equity

Current evidence suggests that access to healthy food through SNAP may protect cognitive health, especially as people age. Moreover, making SNAP easier to access and ensuring that all communities have affordable and nutritious options will increase the program’s effectiveness, Dr Song indicated. Health care providers can contribute by screening for food insecurity, educating patients about the brain health benefits of proper nutrition, referring patients to social services, and collaborating with social workers to connect patients with support.

While clinicians play a critical role at the point of care, broader systemic changes are also necessary to expand SNAP’s reach and effectiveness. Dr Ho discussed the role of other stakeholders, such as policymakers, in enabling SNAP participation “by simplifying enrollment systems, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring language and cultural accessibility.” He explained that expanding incentives for purchasing food and improving access in underserved neighborhoods can enhance the program’s impact. Additionally, outreach through community centers, senior services, and trusted local organizations may help reduce stigma, address limited digital access, and overcome mobility challenges. Dr Ho concluded, “By addressing these structural and equity issues, policymakers can help SNAP more effectively protect brain health in aging populations.”

Future studies should prioritize health equity and address digital health literacy, which can improve outcomes among individuals enrolled in SNAP. Simultaneously, research and clinical practices should focus on tailoring interventions for specific populations by considering factors such as access to technology, cultural appropriateness, and disparities in engagement.⁹