Assessing the link between cerebellar volume and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study.
Deborah Van Rossem1,2, Gert-Jan Allemeersch3, Nuno Barros4
1Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation (NEUR) Research Group, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium. Deborah.Van.Rossem@vub.be.
Scientific Reports
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Cerebellar atrophy, particularly in posterior regions, is linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reduced cerebellar volume correlates with poorer cognitive function across stages of AD, from subjective decline to dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The cerebellum's role extends beyond motor control to cognitive functions.
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) affect cerebral regions with cerebellar connections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cerebellum's contribution to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
- To examine cerebellar grey and white matter volumes and their correlation with cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 127 individuals: subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD, and AD dementia (ADD).
- Assessment of whole cerebellum and lobular grey and white matter volumes.
- Correlation analysis between cerebellar volumes and cognitive scores.
Main Results:
- Significant grey matter atrophy found in posterior cerebellar regions (crus II, lobules VIIa, VIIIa, VIIIb, X) between SCD and ADD groups.
- Cerebellar volume positively correlated with cognitive function across all studied groups (SCD, MCI, ADD).
- No significant difference in atrophy was noted between MCI and ADD groups.
Conclusions:
- Cerebellar atrophy is associated with cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
- Posterior cerebellar regions are particularly affected in the progression from early decline to dementia.
- Cerebellar integrity is crucial for maintaining cognitive function in the context of AD.
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