Masticatory function and cognitive function: Clinical implications

Mastication is a complex functional process involving the teeth, tongue, lips, and masticatory muscles, and it has been shown to be closely associated with cognitive function. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between normal cognition and dementia, characterized by measurable cognitive decline without significant impairment in activities of daily living. Early intervention at this stage is critical to delay progression to dementia. Masticatory dysfunction has been identified as a potential risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults. This study aimed to identify the key variables among subjective and objective measures of masticatory function that are associated with MCI. The results demonstrated significant differences in posterior occlusal support, tongue pressure (TP), oral diadochokinesis (ODK), and masseter muscle thickness (MMT) between groups, whereas no significant differences were observed in masticatory performance (MP) or bite force (BF). Logistic regression analysis further revealed that posterior occlusal support and oral muscle–related functional parameters were significantly associated with MCI. These findings suggest that interventions such as orofacial muscle training and posterior occlusal rehabilitation may play a role in mitigating cognitive decline in older adults with MCI.