Occlusion and brain function: mastication as a prevention of cognitive dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Mastication is crucial for cognitive function, particularly in the hippocampus, which is vital for learning and memory.
• Reduced mastication is an epidemiological risk factor for dementia, impairing spatial memory and causing hippocampal neuron deterioration, especially in aged animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on how mastication improves cognitive function deficits.
• To explore the potential relationship between mastication, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neuronal mechanisms in the hippocampus.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing animal and human studies on mastication and cognitive function.
• Examination of research on the effects of active mastication versus reduced mastication.
• Analysis of studies investigating the role of the HPA axis and stress responses.

Main Results:

• Active mastication preserves hippocampal memory processes and reduces stress perception by suppressing stress responses.
• Mastication enhances cognitive task performance by increasing hippocampal and prefrontal cortex activation.
• Experimental occlusal disharmony induces chronic stress, suppressing spatial learning.

Conclusions:

• Mastication plays a significant role in maintaining and improving cognitive functions, including spatial memory and sustained attention.
• Masticatory stimulation may preserve cognitive function partly by suppressing the HPA axis.
• Understanding the neuronal mechanisms underlying mastication's cognitive benefits is crucial for preventing cognitive decline.