The cerebellum and neuropsychological functioning: a critical review

Abstract

The cerebellum, while once considered a brain region principally involved in motor control and coordination, is increasingly becoming associated with a range of neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric presentations. This paper reviews the dominant neuropsychological domains and neuropsychiatric conditions for which cerebellar involvement has been demonstrated, including visuospatial functioning, learning and memory, language, executive functioning, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia. The paper concludes with a discussion of a potential neuropsychological localization model within the cerebellum and a discussion of prognosis and rates of recovery that can be expected, following localized cerebellar lesions.