Differential effects of age and sex on the cerebellar hemispheres and the vermis: a prospective MR study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of age and sex on the size of the cerebellar hemispheres, the cerebellar vermis, and the pons in healthy adults.

METHODS We estimated the volumes of the cerebellar hemispheres (excluding the vermis and the peduncles), the cross-sectional area of the vermis, and the cross-sectional area of the ventral pons from MR images obtained in 146 healthy volunteers, 18 to 77 years old.

RESULTS We found a mild but significant age-related reduction in the volume of the cerebellar hemispheres and in the total area of the cerebellar vermis; however, the analysis of age trends in the vermian lobules revealed differential age-related declines. The areas of lobules VI and VII and of the posterior vermian lobules (VIII-X) declined significantly with age, whereas the anterior vermis (I-V) showed no significant age-related shrinkage. The volume of the cerebellar hemispheres (especially the right) and the area of the anterior vermis were greater in men, even after adjustment for height. Neither age nor sex affected the area of the ventral pons.

CONCLUSIONS Normal aging of the cerebellum is associated with selective regional shrinkage. The cerebellar hemispheres and the area of the anterior vermis may be larger in men than in women regardless of differences in body size.