ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A new study suggests that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, may offer more than just meals — it could also help slow the effects of cognitive decline in older adults.

Presented this week at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, the study found that older adults who received SNAP benefits experienced slower rates of cognitive decline compared to those who did not. Researchers at the University of Georgia tracked more than 3,500 adults over 10 years and found that those enrolled in SNAP saw delays in cognitive decline by two to three years.

“At the Alzheimer’s Association, it is about bringing science to the forefront to help make decisions,” said Clay Jacobs, Georgia chapter president.

While a 0.10-point difference in annual cognitive decline may seem small, the researchers note that its long-term impact is significant.

“For someone starting at a healthy cognitive score, this slower decline could delay reaching the threshold for mild cognitive impairment by nearly a decade,” said Linlin Da, lead author of the study and a Ph.D. candidate in health services research at the University of Georgia. “This suggests SNAP participation, or another similar nutrition support program, could significantly delay the onset of cognitive impairment or dementia, allowing people to preserve their ability to manage medications, finances, and daily tasks longer. This ultimately supports greater independence and higher quality of life in older adulthood.”

Georgia currently has an estimated 180,000 residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. Advocates say even a few extra years of cognitive clarity can make a big difference.

“Our seniors are struggling,” said state senator and gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves. “I don’t want anyone’s mom or dad going through hunger just because of decisions made in Washington.”

In 2023, Georgia received roughly $3 billion in federal SNAP funding, which provides monthly food assistance to low-income families. But new requirements passed by Congress will shift more of the program’s costs to the states as part of an effort to reduce federal spending.

“We’re going to make sure hard-working people can keep more of their money,” said U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), who supported the federal changes.

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute estimates the state will need to cover an additional $500 million annually to maintain current levels of support.

Estevez and others worry that the funding shift could worsen food insecurity, particularly in rural parts of the state.

“There are some counties in Georgia where life expectancy is lower than in North Korea,” Esteves said. “It’s because those counties are extremely poor, and folks don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”

Lawmakers are expected to consider additional state funding options during the upcoming legislative session.

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