This part of the brain is known to be responsible for muscle movement and control
Scientists from the University of Basel, Switzerland, have discovered a new function of the cerebellum, writes the journal “Protocols of the American Academy of Sciences”.
This part of the brain is known to be responsible for muscle movement and control. The present study shows that it also plays an important role in the memory of emotional experiences.
The study involved 1,400 volunteers who viewed a variety of images – both neutral and emotionally charged – while their brain activity was recorded with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Tests have shown that people remember better the pictures that evoke an emotional reaction in them – both positive and negative. In this case, increased activity in the cerebellum was reported.
The researchers also found that the cerebellum sends signals to other parts of the brain, including the amygdala and hippocampus, which are already known to play important roles in memory formation and emotion processing.
“The results show that the cerebellum is an integral part of the network that is responsible for better storage of emotional information,” the researchers wrote.
Scientists explain that a good memory for emotional events is important for survival. For example, if a person experiences and remembers a fearful event, they are more likely to avoid it in the future. However, this characteristic also has a flip side – strong negative experiences can cause a feeling of constant anxiety.
According to the experts, the current research can help to better understand how PTSD is formed and how it can be treated in the future.
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