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Does the metencephalon change with age? Understanding the impact on the cerebellum and pons

According to a 2003 longitudinal study in *Neuroscience Letters*, significant linear shrinkage occurs in metencephalic regions of healthy adults over a five-year period. This critical finding confirms that yes, the **metencephalon changes with age**, impacting its two primary structures: the cerebellum and the pons. These age-related alterations contribute to declines in motor control and cognitive function in older adults.