The cerebellum and cognition: further evidence for its role in language control

Abstract

The cognitive function of the human cerebellum could be characterized as enigmatic. However, researchers have attempted to detail the comprehensive role of the cerebellum in several cognitive processes in recent years. Here, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), we revealed different functions of bilateral cerebellar lobules in bilingual language production. Specifically, brain activation showed the bilateral posterolateral cerebellum was associated with bilingual language control, and an effective connectivity analysis built brain networks for the interaction between the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, anodal tDCS over the right cerebellum significantly optimizes language control performance in bilinguals. Together, these results reveal a precise asymmetrical functional distribution of the cerebellum in bilingual language production, suggesting that the right cerebellum is more involved in language control. In contrast, its left counterpart undertakes a computational role in cognitive control function by connecting with more prefrontal, parietal, subcortical brain areas.

Language and Social Regions Are Affected in Toddlers with Autism and Predict Later Language Outcome

“…Additional regions included those involved in motor, behavioral, cognitive, and language control; primary visual processing and interhemispheric communication (cerebellum; primary visual cortex, corpus callosum) [68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75] . Morphometrically, we observed alterations in regional volume, thickness, and surface area relative to global measures.…”

“…Identified brain regions are mainly involved in receptive and expressive language, social and face processing (bank STS, middle temporal, superior temporal, medial orbitofrontal, caudal anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, pars opercularis, caudal middle frontal) 57-67 . Additional regions included those involved in motor, behavioral, cognitive, and language control; primary visual processing and interhemispheric communication (cerebellum; primary visual cortex, corpus callosum) 68-75 . Morphometrically, we observed alterations in regional volume, thickness, and surface area relative to global measures.…”

Study on the Effect of Mentha × piperita L. Essential Oil on Electroencephalography upon Stimulation with Different Visual Effects

“…According to GC-MS results, substances with matching values less than 70 were filtered, and the retention indexes were calculated based on the n-alkanes using the Kovats index. The olfactory components of PEO were identified in Table 1, with a total of 59 compounds, including terpenes (14), alcohols (11), aldehydes (4), ketones (10), acids (2), esters (7), phenols (2), and other organic compounds (9). Alcohols and terpenes account for 49.82 percent of the total content.…”

“…Aromatic compounds in EOs can affect the nervous system via smell. The aroma of EOs activates synaptic transmission to the central nervous system, and the signal input eventually rises to several brain areas responsible for olfactory perception, autonomic balance, and other advanced brain functions, thereby affecting the body and the mind [11,12]. Most past EEG studies of odour effects have shown that alpha activity can be increased by taking several EOs, such as lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile oils.…”

Cerebellar Biometry in Preterm Infants

“…These are significant findings. The cerebellum is chiefly associated with motor skills, visualmotor coordination, and balance; however, numerous developmental dyslexia theories have shown that decreased cerebellocortical connectivity and anomalies in the cerebellum structure contribute to language development [2]. Similarly, the cerebellum has been speculated to have a role in cognitive capabilities [2], but the international consensus from experts remains highly inferential [3].…”