Distinct critical cerebellar subregions for components of verbal working memory

A role for the cerebellum in cognition has been proposed based on studies suggesting a profile of cognitive deficits due to cerebellar stroke. Such studies are limited in the determination of the detailed organisation of cerebellar subregions that are critical for different aspects of cognition. In this study we examined the correlation between cognitive performance and cerebellar integrity in a specific degeneration of the cerebellar cortex: Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 6 (SCA6). The results demonstrate a critical relationship between verbal working memory and grey matter density in superior (bilateral lobules VI and crus I of lobule VII) and inferior (bilateral lobules VIIIa and VIIIb, and right lobule IX) parts of the cerebellum. We demonstrate that distinct cerebellar regions subserve different components of the prevalent psychological model for verbal working memory based on a phonological loop. The work confirms the involvement of the cerebellum in verbal working memory and defines specific subsystems for this within the cerebellum.

► The organisation of cognitive functions within the cerebellum was investigated.
► A correlation between cognitive performance and cerebellar integrity was sought.
► Participants had a genetic, pure cerebellar degeneration (SCA-6).
► A relationship was found for verbal, but not spatial working memory tasks.
► We define specific subsystems of verbal working memory within the cerebellum.