The cerebellum
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Both histological and neuroimaging studies highlight the role of the cerebellum in multiple sclerosis (MS). There is at least some evidence for associations of cerebellar gray matter (GM) loss with motor and cognitive ability. We therefore correlated motor and cognitive ability scores (the multiple sclerosis functional composite MSFC) with regional cerebellar GM volumes. ⋯ Decreased GM in distinct cerebellar areas was associated with different subscores of the MSFC in Larsell's lobule VI with the T25FW (t = 5.16), in lobule IX with the 9HPT (t = 3.95), and in lobule IX with the PASAT (t = 4.81). Regional volume decrease in distinct cerebellar areas involved in motor and cognitive domains were associated with clinical impairment in these fields. Our data confirm the relationship between cerebellar GM volume loss and disability, extending the knowledge in the functional neuroanatomical perspective.
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Neuropathological and neuroimaging studies in Huntington disease (HD) have suggested a role for the cerebellum. Our goal was to perform a detailed evaluation of cerebellar morphology. We performed the Unified HD rating scale (UHDRS) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA) in 26 HD patients and 26 healthy controls. ⋯ Higher GM density in the postero-superior lobe correlated with mood symptoms. Worse motor function and better cognitive function correlated with GM changes in the posterior cerebellum (false discovery rate (FDR) correction p < 0.05 and k > 100 voxels). In this detailed study of the in vivo cerebellar morphology in HD, we observed GM changes in regions involved in sensorimotor integration, motor planning, and emotional processing, supporting cerebellar involvement in the neuropathological process of HD.