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The relationships between mastication and cognitive function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ma Therese Sta Maria1,2, Yoko Hasegawa1, Aye Mya Mya Khaing1
1Division of Comprehensive Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
The Japanese Dental Science Review
|November 29, 2023
Summary
Chewing ability impacts cognitive function in older adults, with dysfunction increasing impairment risk. For young adults, gum chewing slowed cognitive processing speed, suggesting mastication influences cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Masticatory function, or chewing, is hypothesized to influence cognitive abilities.
- Understanding the link between chewing and cognition is crucial for aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on the relationship between masticatory function and cognitive function in older and young adults.
- To assess how chewing affects cognitive test scores and processing speed.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Cochrane Library (January 2000 - April 2022).
- Inclusion of 20 studies after screening 226 articles.
- Independent review, data extraction, and quality/bias assessment by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Older adults with poorer masticatory performance, fewer teeth, and chewing difficulties showed lower cognitive scores.
- Masticatory dysfunction was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.
- In young adults, gum chewing decreased cognitive task processing speed compared to no chewing.
Conclusions:
- Mastication appears to be a factor that may improve cognitive function.
- Despite limitations in evidence quality and high risk of bias in many studies, a potential link exists.
- Further research with robust designs is needed to confirm these findings.
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