Cerebellar atrophy and dementia
There are studies on autosomal dominant cerebellar atrophy (ADCA- autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia) and an association with dementia. Only subtype 1 is thought to be associated with mild dementia in the course of its development. It is thought that attention and the ability to learn are particularly disturbed. The subtypes of the hereditary form are determined by genetic testing.
Cerebellar atrophy in children
Cerebellar atrophy in children can be of idiopathic cause, which means that the cause of the disease is unknown. However, it can also be genetic. A few years ago, it was also discovered in small children that certain drugs used to treat viral infections, which block DNA synthesis, caused cerebellar atrophies and cerebellar damage.
The synthesis of DNA is not yet complete when nerve cells are formed in the cerebellum in infancy. Therefore, such drugs may possibly interfere with the development of the cerebellum. The same symptoms, diagnostic procedures and therapies apply to cerebellar atrophy in children as in adults.
Ergo-, physio- and speech therapy should be carried out individually and in a child-oriented manner. It is recommended to start therapy as early as possible, which should include a detailed parental consultation. At best, educators and teachers from integrative institutions or from special/special kindergartens or schools should also be informed and involved.
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