Neuropsychological deficits in cerebellar syndromes

Abstract

Interest in the role of the cerebellum in cognitive functioning has been increasing in recent years, based on both theoretical considerations and empirical evidence. This review attempts to critically evaluate neuropsychological studies based on standardized testing of patients with selective cerebellar dysfunction. Findings are considered which address possible cerebellar influence on motor adaptation and habituation, motor skill acquisition, classical conditioning of motor responses, temporal processing, general intellectual abilities, frontal lobe functions, visuospatial abilities, memory and non-motor skill learning, and language. Deficits in motor learning and temporal processing are consistently observed in patients with cerebellar syndromes, while deficits in frontal lobe functions, visuospatial processing, memory, non-motor skill learning and language dysfunction have been reported in several studies, but have not been replicated in others. Methodological factors which may account for such discrepancies are discussed.