The neurocognitive profile of the cerebellum in multiple sclerosis

Int J Mol Sci. 2015 May 28;16(6):12185-98. doi: 10.3390/ijms160612185.

Abstract

In recent years, a high number of studies have demonstrated that neuropsychological functions are altered in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with cerebellar lesions, mainly including attention, working memory and verbal fluency. Since the present literature is often elusive on this topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive report about the real impact of cerebellar damages (evaluated as volume, lesions or connectivity measures) on cognitive functions. In particular in this review, we report and discuss recent works from 2009 to 2015, which have demonstrated the key role of the cerebellum in cognitive impairment of MS patients.

Keywords: cerebellum; cognitive impairment; executive functions; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); multiple sclerosis (MS).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellum / pathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests