Relationships between feeding-related cognitive function and activity of reward system

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The present study was conducted to clarify the role of sensory information related to feeding behavior on the cognition of palatability as well as crucial cortical area for such a cognitive function. Also, effects of cognition of palatability on feeding behaviors were also studied. Activity of various cortical areas was recorded in the healthy subjects using near infrared spectroscopy(NIRS), when the subjects performed various feeding-related tasks. The results revealed that the right dorsal prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role for the detection of various feeding-related sensory inputs, and its activity may be increased when the subjects recognize favorable tastes. Also using umami taste as a food additive with salty taste may serve not only as a flavor enhancer but also as an enhancer of swallow initiation.