[Reading Science] "Facial Massage and Thorough Chewing Clean the Brain"... Koo Kyu-young of IBS Reveals Key Findings in Dementia Research

Brain Lymphatic Drainage Pathways Spotlighted by Nature
"Healthy Habits Before Surgery"

Facial massage, the habit of chewing food thoroughly, chewing gum, light exercise, spending time talking and laughing with others...

Kyu-Young Ko, Director of the Vascular Research Division at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), emphasized that "these everyday actions can all help with 'brain cleaning' by washing away waste products in the brain." While people often think of expensive treatments or drastic procedures to delay dementia, he pointed out that the most fundamental solutions are actually hidden within our daily routines.

Koo Kyu-young, Director of the Vascular Research Center at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), is giving a lecture at the "Science Media Academy" hosted by the Korea Science Journalists Association on the morning of the 10th. Provided by IBS

During his lecture at the "Science Media Academy" organized by the Korea Science Journalists Association on the morning of December 10, Ko explained, "The brain uses a vast amount of energy throughout the day, which leads to the accumulation of metabolic waste. The drainage system that removes these wastes from the brain is the lymphatic vessels." He noted that the more active the brain’s lymphatic drainage pathways are, the more effectively substances such as beta-amyloid, which can cause dementia, are removed.

He stated, "Deep sleep is responsible for internal cleaning, while facial muscle movement and physical activity during the day contribute to external waste expulsion. Conversations and social activities also move the muscles of the face and neck, so all of these behaviors help facilitate brain waste drainage."

Brain Waste Clearance: Lifestyle Habits Matter More Than You Think

Ko’s research team has repeatedly published results in the prestigious journal Nature that have shifted the global landscape of brain lymphatic system research.

Their first paper, published in 2019, "Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatic vessels," was the first in the world to map the exact drainage route of cerebrospinal fluid from the base of the skull and behind the nose (nasopharynx) to the lymph nodes in the neck.

This discovery overturned the long-held belief that "there are no lymphatic vessels in the brain," shaking the paradigm of dementia research. Immediately after publication, the international academic community praised it as "a study that redefined the existence of the brain’s drainage system."

In 2025, the research team attracted significant attention by publishing a follow-up paper in Nature titled "Mechanical stimulation of meningeal lymphatic drainage improves brain waste clearance."

In mouse models, when shallow cervical lymphatic vessels around the jaw and neck were gently pressed with a precise mechanical device, the speed of cerebrospinal fluid drainage nearly doubled, and the "brain drainage function," which had declined in older animals, was restored. The fact that brain drainage could be enhanced through external stimulation without drugs or surgery drew significant attention from both the global media and academia.

Goo Kyu-young, Director of the Vascular Research Division at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), is answering reporters' questions during a lecture at the 'Science Media Academy' hosted by the Korea Science Journalists Association on the morning of the 10th. Photo by Kim Jonghwa

Ko shared an anecdote, saying, "Right after the paper was published in Nature, I received a flood of requests for meetings and interviews from the United States and Europe. Ironically, the research did not receive much attention in Korea because it coincided with the presidential election period. It was a study that received more inquiries from abroad than at home."

He stressed, "The potential is very high because brain lymphatic drainage can be promoted with non-invasive stimulation of the face and neck, without the need for drugs or surgery."

Over 1,000 Surgical Cases... Ko Warns, "Aftereffects Are More Concerning Than Effectiveness"

During the Q&A session, someone asked, "Is it possible to clean the brain all at once through surgery?" Ko explained that such attempts are already underway.

He began by saying, "In China, more than 1,000 lymphatic-venous anastomosis surgeries have been performed. In Taiwan, about 150 cases have been conducted, and in Korea, I understand that around three people have already undergone the procedure." However, Ko expressed concern, stating, "Some patients have reported improvements in cognitive function, but there is a possibility that damage incurred during surgery could return to the brain over time and cause aftereffects."

He further cautioned, "While initial results may look promising, invasive procedures that aim for a 'one-shot solution' must be verified for reproducibility and long-term safety. The idea of scraping out waste must also consider the risk of actual brain tissue damage and the possibility of re-accumulation."

"There Is No Quick Fix... Safe Lifestyle Habits Come First"

Wrapping up his lecture, Ko stated, "The advice that science gives is simple, but sustainable." He emphasized repeatedly, "Massaging your face, chewing food slowly and thoroughly, engaging in light exercise, talking and laughing with others, and maintaining social activities all help promote brain lymphatic drainage. These methods have almost no side effects and can be started by anyone today."

He concluded, "To prevent or delay dementia, it is most important to consistently maintain the brain's drainage function in daily life. As scientific evidence continues to accumulate, the development of more precise stimulation devices will also become possible in the future."