Cerebellar Contributions to Language in Typical and Atypical Development: A Review

Dev Neuropsychol. 2017;42(6):404-421. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2017.1334783. Epub 2017 Sep 8.

Abstract

In this review, we present the growing literature suggesting, from a variety of angles, that the cerebellum contributes to higher-order cognitive functions, rather than simply sensorimotor functions, and more specifically to language and its development. The cerebellum's association with language function is determined by the specific cortico-cerebellar connectivity to the right cerebellum from the left cortical hemisphere. The findings we review suggest that the cerebellum plays an important role as part of a broader language network, and also implies that the cerebellum may be a potential new therapeutic target to treat speech and language deficits, especially during development.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellum / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Cortex
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Language*
  • Speech