Scientists are uncovering the significant yet often ignored functions of the cerebellum in both movement and social-cognitive tasks. This research signals a noticeable change in neuroscience, which has typically centered its focus on the cerebrum. For many years, the cerebellum was mainly linked to coordination of physical movement.
“Individuals with abnormalities in their cerebellum frequently face motor challenges,” Van Overwalle states. “For instance, they may find it difficult to touch their noses smoothly with a finger. These challenges underscore the cerebellum’s critical role in honing motor skills.”
Nonetheless, Van Overwalle’s research goes beyond just motor functions. It also examines how the cerebellum plays a part in social and cognitive abilities. His discoveries show that issues in the cerebellum not only cause motor challenges but are also connected to emotional and behavioral problems. He cites studies involving people with autism, indicating how brain stimulation techniques, like magnetic stimulation, can enhance performance in social tasks.
“We’ve observed advances in the progression of cognitive tasks for individuals with autism using magnetic stimulation,” Van Overwalle notes. “We are currently testing more intricate tasks to determine if these improvements can be even greater, with the end goal of creating effective treatments for those with autism.”
A significant advancement is the adoption of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), a technique that is more cost-effective and easier to access than magnetic stimulation. Although the benefits of tES are still somewhat limited, the research team is devoted to its ongoing enhancement, recognizing its potential for widespread use in the future.
This study provides new insights into the cerebellum’s functions and opens doors to innovative treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. “We aim to refine these methods to boost social and cognitive skills in individuals with autism,” Van Overwalle concludes.
