Elderberry Functional Gum and Cognitive & Oral Health in Older Adults

Globally, the aging population is increasing rapidly, leading to a dramatic rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by pathological hallmarks such as β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque accumulation, tau protein aggregation, synaptic loss, and widespread neuroinflammation. These processes impair key cognitive domains including attention, memory, executive function, and orientation, hindering independent daily functioning.

Beyond cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a marked deterioration in oromotor functions, such as chewing and swallowing. Mastication plays a critical role not only in digestion but also in neuro-sensory stimulation. Trigeminal nerve signaling activated by chewing enhances neurotransmitter release, boosts neurotrophic factor production (e.g., BDNF), and facilitates Aβ clearance, thereby supporting synaptic plasticity and reducing inflammation. Neuroimaging studies have shown that a higher number of functional occlusal pairs is associated with increased gray and white matter volume in regions affected early in Alzheimer's disease.

Systematic reviews have identified poor mastication and tooth loss as risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Mechanistically, loss of afferent input from the oral cavity-due to tooth loss, reduced chewing force, prosthetic use, or muscle atrophy-leads to reduced brain stimulation, diminished neurotrophic support, and impaired cerebral blood flow. Thus, geriatric-friendly chewing gum formulations with low elasticity and ease of chewing have been recommended.

Chewing gum is a promising vehicle for functional compounds due to its potential for transmucosal absorption and cognitive stimulation. Randomized controlled trials have shown that both active and inactive gums improve attention and reduce error rates in cognitive tasks, highlighting the beneficial effects of mastication.

Another emerging target for cognitive enhancement is the oral microbiota, a complex ecosystem of over 700 bacterial species. Dysbiosis in this ecosystem has been linked to neurological outcomes via inflammatory and neurotoxic pathways. Certain pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been detected in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Moreover, metagenomic studies have shown that reduced salivary microbial diversity correlates with poorer cognitive performance, even in young adults.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is rich in anthocyanins (e.g., cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside) with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Literature shows that polyphenols can be absorbed via buccal and sublingual mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism and providing faster systemic effects. However, the impact of anthocyanin-enriched chewing gum on oral microbiota and cognitive function has not yet been systematically investigated.

This study aims to develop and evaluate a geriatric-friendly functional chewing gum enriched with standardized elderberry anthocyanins. The intervention targets dual mechanisms-neurophysiological and microbial-to support cognitive health and balance oral microbiota in older adults.