Does the cerebellum shrink with age?

Age effects on cerebellar volume would be blurred, because both the cerebellum and the cerebral hemispheres shrink with age. In contrast, failure to correct for an effect which affects cerebellar volume but is unrelated to ageing will result in false (over or under) estimation of age effects.

What happens if the cerebellum is smaller?

People with this condition have an unusually small and underdeveloped cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that coordinates movement. This brain malformation leads to problems with balance and coordination (ataxia) that become apparent in infancy and remain stable over time.

How long can you live with cerebellar degeneration?

Life expectancy is generally shorter than normal for people with hereditary ataxia, although some people can live well into their 50s, 60s or beyond. In more severe cases, the condition can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood.

What are some signs of cerebellar disease?

Cerebellar dysfunction causes balance problems and gait disorders along with difficulties in coordination resulting in ataxia, uncoordinated movements, imbalance, speech problems(dysarthria), visual problems (nystagmus) and vertigo as a part of the vestibulocerebellar system.

What does it mean if your doctor says that your brain is shrinking?

People with brain atrophy, also called cerebral atrophy, lose brain cells (neurons), and connections between their brain cells and brain volume often decreases. This loss can lead to problems with thinking, memory and performing everyday tasks. The greater the loss, the more impairment someone has.

Is brain shrinkage serious?

Mild cases of brain atrophy may have little effect on daily functioning. However, brain atrophy can sometimes lead to symptoms such as seizures, aphasia, and dementia. Severe damage can be life threatening. A person should see a doctor if they experience any symptoms of brain atrophy.

What does a smaller cerebellum mean?

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed. Cerebellar hypoplasia is a feature of a number of congenital (present at birth) malformation syndromes, such as Walker-Warburg syndrome (a form of muscular dystrophy.

What is the cerebellum responsible for?

The cerebellum is important for making postural adjustments in order to maintain balance. Through its input from vestibular receptors and proprioceptors, it modulates commands to motor neurons to compensate for shifts in body position or changes in load upon muscles.

Is cerebellar atrophy fatal?

Each inherited or acquired disease that results in cerebellar degeneration has its own specific prognosis, however most are generally poor, progressive and often fatal.

What is the treatment of cerebellar atrophy?

There isn’t a cure for cerebellar degeneration. Treatment usually depends on the underlying cause of your brain dysfunction. However, medications can sometimes help manage certain symptoms, including tremors or problems with walking and dizziness.