A systematic review of social cognition in hereditary ataxia patients: Evidence from neuroimaging studies

•Ataxia participants obtained lower scores in all social cognition assessments, although variability was found among ataxia diagnosis.•Cerebellar structural alterations interfere with the modulatory function of the cerebellum on social cognition.•Cerebellar hemispheres, vermis and deep nuclei were found to be the main cerebellar areas involved in social cognition.•Therapeutic approaches for ataxia patients should take into consideration social cognitive deficits.