"Suddenly Developed 'This Habit' in Old Age... A Sign of Dementia" Surprising Research Findings

Association Found Between Males' Masticatory Function and Dementia

Contrary to the common social belief that food must be chewed thoroughly for good health, a new study has attracted attention by suggesting otherwise. Excessive chewing in old age may be a warning sign of dementia risk.

A joint research team from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, and the Corporate Mental Health Research Institute published their findings in the latest issue of the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS), tracking 5,064 elderly individuals aged 60 and above over eight years.

Not related to any specific expression in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The core of the study analyzed the relationship between masticatory function (chewing food in the mouth) and dementia risk. Masticatory function was evaluated by the average number of chews before swallowing rice over one year. The results showed that among elderly men, those who chewed food 10 times or more before swallowing had declines in overall cognitive function and memory compared to those who chewed less than 10 times.

The research team estimated that the incidence of dementia was 2.9 times higher in individuals who chewed 30 times or more compared to those who chewed less than 10 times. In particular, the risk for Alzheimer's disease, which has a poorer prognosis among dementias, increased up to 3.2 times. On average, an increase of 5 chews beyond usual chewing was associated with a 16% and 23% increase in the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, respectively.

This correlation was also confirmed through MRI imaging. Men who chewed more frequently showed reduced volumes in brain regions related to mastication control and dementia (white matter, temporal lobe, occipital lobe). However, no significant association between chewing frequency, dementia risk, and brain volume was observed in elderly women.

The research team speculated that "an increase in chewing frequency in old age may be a compensatory behavior related to dementia pathology." They further recommended, "If you notice that you are chewing food for an unusually long time as you age, it is advisable to visit a nearby public health center or hospital to undergo dementia screening."