Masticatory deficiency as a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction.
Several studies have demonstrated that chewing helps to maintain cognitive functions in brain regions including the hippocampus, a central nervous system (CNS) region vital for memory and learning. Epidemiological studies suggest that masticatory deficiency is associated with development of dementia, which is related to spatial memory deficits especially in older animals. The purpose of this paper is to review recent work on the effects of masticatory impairment on cognitive functions both in experimental animals and humans. We show that several mechanisms may be involved in the cognitive deficits associated with masticatory deficiency. The epidemiological data suggest a positive correlation between masticatory deficit and Alzheimer's disease. It may be concluded that chewing has important implications for the mechanisms underlying certain cognitive abilities.
1. Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil;
Francisco Bruno
FB
Teixeira
1. Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil; ; 2. Laboratory Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil;
Luanna de Melo
Lde M
Pereira Fernandes
3. Laboratory of Experimental Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil.
Patrycy Assis Tavares
PA
Noronha
1. Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil;
Marcio Antonio Raiol
MA
dos Santos
3. Laboratory of Experimental Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil.
Walace
W
Gomes-Leal
2. Laboratory Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil;
Cristiane do Socorro
Cdo S
Ferraz Maia
1. Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900, Belém-Pará, Brazil;
Rafael Rodrigues
RR
Lima
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008409:Mastication; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors
Chewing; Cognition; Hippocampus.; Learning; Masticatory; Memory