The cerebellum has a homogeneous structure and performs different computational functions such as modulation/coordination of the communication between cerebral regions, and regulation/integration of sensory information. Albeit cerebellar activity is generally associated with motor functions, several recent studies link it to various cognitive functions, including spatial navigation. In addition, cerebellar activity plays a modulatory role in different cognitive domains and brain processes. Depending on the network involved, cerebellar damage results in specific functional alterations, even when no function loss might be detected. In the present review, we discuss evidence of brainstem degeneration and of a substantial reduction of neurons in nuclei connected to the inferior olivary nucleus in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the rich patterns of afferences from the inferior olive nucleus to the cerebellum, we argue that the subtle alterations in spatial navigation described in the early stages of dementia stem from alterations of the neuromodulatory functions of the cerebellum.

Empirical evidence suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show abnormal behavior during delay eyeblink conditioning. They show a higher conditioned response learning rate and earlier peak latency of the conditioned response signal. The neuronal mechanisms underlying this autistic behavioral phenotype are still unclear. Here, we use a physiologically constrained spiking neuron model of the cerebellar-cortical system to investigate which features are critical to explaining atypical learning in ASD. Significantly, the computer simulations run with the model suggest that the higher conditioned responses learning rate mainly depends on the reduced number of Purkinje cells. In contrast, the earlier peak latency mainly depends on the hyper-connections of the cerebellum with sensory and motor cortex. Notably, the model has been validated by reproducing the behavioral data collected from studies with real children. Overall, this article is a starting point to understanding the link between the behavioral and neurobiological basis in ASD learning. At the end of the paper, we discuss how this knowledge could be critical for devising new treatments.

Background: Detecting the beginning of cognitive decay is crucial to guarantee good management and the possible prevention of dementia progression. The present study arises from observations collected during an educational event to promote mental and physical health in which incidental neuropsychological data gathered on 290 citizens showed the importance of routine neuropsychological examination in detecting early signs of cognitive decay, since many individuals were unaware of the decrease in their cognitive efficiency. Accordingly, the availability of a screening tool that is computerized, portable, self-administrable, and sensitive to the main neurocognitive changes testifying the progression towards pathological aging is critical. Objective: To this aim, we developed a computerized battery for the early, preclinical Diagnosis of Neurocognitive disease (DiaNe), that can be self-administered and performed autonomously by using a tablet. Methods: DiaNe includes tests expected to evaluate the main cognitive domains involved in neurodegenerative diseases (memory, attention, executive functions) with a detailed assessment of visuospatial memory in particular. Results: DiaNe is not just the translation of standard tests into telematics, rather it is a new tool that provides both accuracy and response time measurements, aimed to screen cognitive profile and monitor it over time, being able to detect changes in still normal performances that may be suggestive of an ongoing onset of neurocognitive disorders. Conclusion: Here we present an investigation of DiaNe concurrent validity showing that its results are comparable to those obtained by existing paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, and propose that DiaNe could be a useful, quick, and economical instrument for the monitoring of cognitive aging.

Introduction: Several studies have shown that the working memory is sensitive to temporal variations. We used a new visuospatial working memory task, the “Time Squares Sequences,” to investigate whether implicit variations in stimuli presentation time affect task performance.Methods: A total of 50 healthy participants saw two sequences (S1 and S2) of seven white squares presented in a matrix of gray squares and assessed whether S2 matched S1. There were four conditions depending on the spatial position and the presentation time (i.e., timing) of the white squares in S1 and S2: two with the same (S1 fixed/S2 fixed and S1 variable/S2 variable) and two with different (S1 fixed/S2 variable and S1 variable/S2 fixed) presentation times.Results: Findings showed impaired performance when S1 had a fixed presentation time and S2 had a variable presentation time.Conclusion: These findings are attributed to increased cognitive load due to S2 timing difference, pointing to a monitoring process, sensitive to temporal variations.

Mood and cognition are crucial determinants of risk-taking behavior, yet their interaction remains incompletely understood. This study examined how incidental affective states influence risky decision-making by combining a novel multisensory Mood Induction Procedure (MIP) with an immersive virtual reality (VR) slot machine task. Participants (N = 58) were randomly assigned to positive, negative, or neutral mood conditions before engaging in a gambling task that elicited wins, full-losses, near-misses, and tie outcomes. Behavioral outcomes (i.e., betting choices, decision time) and neurophysiological responses (RewP and P300 components) were recorded to assess feedback processing. Consistent with prior findings, participants exhibited increased risk-taking following near-misses and full losses compared to wins, and showed prolonged decision times after wins, suggesting a post-reinforcement pause. At the neural level, fronto-central RewP and central P300 patterns were observed. While ERP amplitudes were modulated by outcome valence, near-misses elicited intermediate responses between wins and full-losses. However, mood conditions did not result in statistically significant behavioral and electrophysiological changes. These findings suggest that feedback-related ERP components are more strongly driven by outcome characteristics than incidental affective states, at least under the current experimental conditions. The study highlights the value of combining VR and EEG to investigate affective decision-making with high ecological validity. The results may inform theoretical models of outcome evaluation and point to future directions involving stronger mood inductions and larger samples.