New Study Examines the Effects of Food Insecurity on Dementia Risk

The latest Household Food Security report estimated that 13.7% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024. This lack of access to a nutritious diet can significantly affect health, so how does it then impact older adults’ health and their risk for cognitive impairment? Dr. Heejin Lee joins the podcast to share what food insecurity means, how it can affect a person’s overall health and what her study found about its effect on dementia and cognitive impairment, as well as resources for those experiencing food insecurity. Guest: Heejin Lee, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow, department of nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Show Notes Read Dr. Lee’s article, “Food Insecurity and Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment With No Dementia in US Older Adults,” published by JAMA Network Open online. Learn more about Dr. Lee at her profile on the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website. Read the Household Food Security report, "Household Food Security in the United States in 2024," on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service website. Listen to our episode with Dr. Beth Olson, “How Ultra‑Processed Foods Impact Your Overall Health,” mentioned at 11:00, on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Connect with us Find transcripts and more at our website. Email Dementia Matters: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter. Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production. Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.