Older men who chew food a lot at higher risk of dementia

Chewing food excessively may be a sign that men are at risk of dementia.

Men aged 60 and over who took 30 or more bites per mouthful had a 2.9-fold higher risk of developing the disease than those who took fewer than ten bites, a study found. 

An extra five bites was linked to a 16 per cent increased risk.

Results also shows that increased number of chews was associated with a smaller brain volume. 

Previous research has shown that chewing can stimulate the brain. 

The more strongly people chew, the greater the blood flow to the brain, leading to more oxygen and activity in key regions of the brain.

Researchers suggest men with dementia may be trying to compensate for a decline in cognitive power with frequent chewing to stimulate blood flow in the brain. 

The effect was not seen in women and this is thought to be because their bite is not as strong as that of men.

Researchers from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, in South Korea, told the Journal of Korean Medical Science: 'Frequent and vigorous chewing during meals may be an effort to cope with dementia progression.'

They say regular screening of chewing habits could help identify those who may be at risk for dementia.