Title:Recent Investigations on the Functional Role of Cerebellar Neural Networks
in Motor Functions & Nonmotor Functions -Neurodegeneration
Volume: 20
Issue: 10
Author(s): Narasimha M. Beeraka, Vladimir N. Nikolenko*, Zakirov F. Khaidarovich, Oganesyan M. Valikovna, Rizaeva N. Aliagayevna, Zharashueva L. Arturovna, Krasilnikov A. Alexandrovich, Liudmila M. Mikhaleva and Mikhail Y. Sinelnikov*
Affiliation:
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Department of Human Anatomy, The First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 11/10 Mokhovaya
St,Moscow-125009, Russia
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Department of Human Anatomy, The First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 11/10 Mokhovaya
St,Moscow-125009, Russia
Keywords:
Cerebellum, emotions, behavior, motor and non-motor functions, cognition, neurodegeneration.
Abstract: The cerebellum is a well-established primary brain center in charge of controlling sensorimotor
functions and non-motor functions. Recent reports depicted the significance of cerebellum
in higher-order cognitive functions, including emotion-processing, language, reward-related behavior,
working memory, and social behavior. As it can influence diverse behavioral patterns, any defects
in cerebellar functions could invoke neuropsychiatric diseases as indicated by the incidence of
alexithymia and induce alterations in emotional and behavioral patterns. Furthermore, its defects can
trigger motor diseases, such as ataxia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this review, we have extensively
discussed the role of cerebellum in motor and non-motor functions and how the cerebellum
malfunctions in relation to the neural circuit wiring as it could impact brain function and behavioral
outcomes in patients with neuropsychiatric diseases. Relevant data regarding cerebellar non-motor
functions have been vividly described, along with anatomy and physiology of these functions. In
addition to the defects in basal ganglia, the lack of activity in motor related regions of the cerebellum
could be associated with the severity of motor symptoms. All together, this review delineates
the importance of cerebellar involvement in patients with PD and unravels a crucial link for various
clinical aspects of PD with specific cerebellar sub-regions.