History

The course of atrophy of the cerebellum is individual and there is no cure. However, the progression of the disease can be delayed by appropriate lifestyle. In the case of alcohol-induced cerebellar atrophy, this includes, for example, abstinence from alcohol, the addition of missing vitamins and treatment of the alcohol-related disease.

Active participation in targeted ergotherapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy can promote the course of cerebellar atrophy. A harmonious environment (kindergarten, school, work, home, leisure activities) can also delay the progression of cerebellar atrophy. On the other hand, passive handling and an inappropriate lifestyle (e.g. further alcohol consumption) promote the shrinkage of the cerebellum. It is still largely unknown to what extent other brain areas can take over the tasks of a dwindling cerebellum. This is discussed very controversially by many researchers.

Consequences of cerebellar atrophy

As mentioned above, the disease has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Patients affected by the hereditary form spend a lot of time on therapies without having a chance of recovery. If these patients are planning to have children, genetic counseling should be provided.

Such a chronic disease is often a burden on the psyche that should not be neglected. As already explained, the cause in the symptomatic form is different.Alcoholics must change their lives to stop further deterioration. For cancer patients, atrophy of the cerebellum is a secondary diagnosis and they have to face the strenuous cancer therapy. But as I said before, not every patient is equally affected. Especially in the early stages, it is often still possible to work and spend leisure time.

Duration

Cerebellar atrophy cannot be cured. Only the progression of the disease can be slowed down. How long the duration of the disease is is very individual and depends on the underlying disease and individual circumstances. Many individual factors play a role, which is why information on the duration and progression of cerebellar atrophy is very unreliable.