Mastication for the mind-The relationship between mastication and cognition in ageing and dementia

▶ There is a causal relationship between mastication and cognition in animals. ▶ There is a correlation between cognition and oral health status in elderly humans. ▶ Several possible underlying mechanisms for these relations have been identified. ▶ Several brain areas are activated during mastication, such as the prefrontal cortex. ▶ Nutritional status and ability to maintain oral hygiene might play a mediating role.