The Cerebellum and Language

Recent anatomical, clinical and neuroimaging studies have shown that the cerebellum is implicated in several higher cognitive functions such as language, memory, executive functions, visuospatial skills, thought modulation and emotional regulation of behavior.

In this special issue the critical impact of cerebellar damage on language functions in children and adults is highlighted. Reviewing the literature and discussing their own observations, the authors (members of the IALP Aphasia Committee) provide a comprehensive account of current findings, hypotheses and controversies concerning the linguistic role of the cerebellum. The need of systematically assessing cerebellar patients with sensitive language tests in order to identify inconspicuous linguistic deficits which may act upon the patient's scholastic achievements, professional career or health-related quality of life is pointed out and will allow an improvement of the rehabilitation program.
Speech/language pathologists, neurolinguists, neuropsychologists, as well as cognitive neuroscientists and medical practitioners with specialized interest in neurogenic language disorders will find this publication essential reading.