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Effects of chewing on cognitive processing speed
Yoshiyuki Hirano1, Takayuki Obata, Hidehiko Takahashi
1Research Program for Carbon Ion Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging Research, Center for Charged Particle Therapy, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan. hirano@nirs.go.jp
Brain and Cognition
|February 5, 2013
Summary
Chewing gum may enhance cognitive performance by increasing alertness and improving motor control, as shown by faster reaction times and increased brain activity in key cognitive regions during attention tasks.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Chewing has been anecdotally linked to cognitive maintenance and improvement.
- Previous research suggests chewing may benefit working memory, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chewing on attention and cognitive processing speed.
- To explore the neural mechanisms associated with chewing-induced cognitive enhancement using fMRI.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen healthy adults performed the Attentional Network Test (ANT) under fMRI.
- Participants completed the ANT with and without chewing odorless, tasteless gum.
- Behavioral data (reaction time) and brain activity (fMRI) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Chewing significantly decreased reaction times, indicating faster cognitive processing.
- fMRI revealed increased activation in the anterior cingulate cortex and left frontal gyrus during chewing.
- No significant changes were observed in behavioral measures of alerting and conflict effects.
Conclusions:
- Chewing appears to enhance cognitive performance by increasing arousal and alertness.
- The findings suggest chewing influences motor control and executive functions.
- These combined effects may contribute to improved overall cognitive performance.
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