Contribution of the cerebellum to cognition

The role of the cerebellum in motor control and motor learning is well-recognised. Patients with cerebellar disease consult a doctor because of their motor dysfunction (ataxia). For nearly three decades intense research has been addressing the question to what extent the cerebellum may support cognitive functions. Neuroanatomic findings support the notion that posterolateral parts of the cerebellum contribute to cognition. Although there is a huge number of neuropsychological studies in patients with cerebellar disease, interpretation of findings is frequently hampered by the accompanying motor disorders and extracerebellar lesions. This review summarises the anatomic findings and attempts to give a critical evaluation of findings in human lesion studies. There are good reasons to believe that cerebellar disorders, both cerebellar degeneration and focal cerebellar lesions, may lead to certain cognitive dysfunctions. Disorders in executive function, in particular working memory, and certain higher language tasks are best documented. However, disorders in adults with chronic diseases tend to be mild. Dysfunction appears to be more prominent in patients with acute disease.