The Deterioration of Spatial Memory and the Role of the Masticatory Function during Aging: A Brief Literature Review
Elías E. Aguirre *
Doctoral Section, Doctoral Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine, National University of San Marcos, Lima, Perú.
Silvia Granados
Dental Surgeon, School of Dentistry, National University Federico Villarreal, Lima, Perú.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This article reviews the current state of scientific information on the relationship between the deterioration of spatial memory and the role of the masticatory function, both of which are primarily examined during the aging process. The article broadly examines the current notions regarding neuroscientific processing mechanisms of spatial memory. Additionally, some variables that produce alterations in hippocampal function during aging are presented here. Finally, the role that mastication fulfills as an emerging physiological mechanism of cognitive impairment compensation is discussed. This article concludes that, despite the recent progress in understanding the concepts presented in this article, evidence suggests that there are still many questions to be answered. These questions are sustaining the growing interest in the field of neuroscience in examining the underlying mechanisms of the intricate process of spatial orientation and their relation to masticatory function in aged organisms.
Keywords: Memory spatial, aging, deterioration of hippocampal functions, masticatory function, place cell, grid cell.