New findings on memory loss

Paris - A decent pair of false teeth and a wad of bubble gum may help to stave off dementia, according to Japanese researchers…

Paris - A decent pair of false teeth and a wad of bubble gum may help to stave off dementia, according to Japanese researchers who maintain that chewing helps prevent memory loss as we grow old.

Their work, reported in today's issue of New Scientist, looks at an apparent link between tooth loss and the deterioration of cells in part of the brain called the hippocampus, where short-term memories are stored.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter