The Role of the Cerebellum in Advanced Cognitive Processes in Children

Overview

Journal Biomedicines

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2024 Aug 29

PMID 39200172

Authors

Stefano Mastrangelo

Laura Peruzzi

Antonella Guido

Laura Iuvone

Giorgio Attina

Alberto Romano

Palma Maurizi

Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo

Antonio Ruggiero

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Over the last several years, a growing body of evidence from anatomical, physiological, and functional neuroimaging studies has increasingly indicated that the cerebellum is actively involved in managing higher order cognitive functions and regulating emotional responses. It has become clear that when children experience congenital or acquired cerebellar lesions, these injuries can lead to a variety of cognitive and emotional disorders, manifesting in different combinations. This underscores the cerebellum's essential role not only throughout developmental stages but particularly in facilitating learning processes, highlighting its critical importance beyond its traditional association with motor control. Furthermore, the intricate neural circuits within the cerebellum are believed to contribute to the fine-tuning of motor actions and coordination but are also increasingly recognized for their involvement in cognitive processes such as attention, language, and problem solving. Recent research has highlighted the importance of cerebellar health and integrity for optimal functioning across various domains of the human experience.

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