B2975 - Neuroscience of Aging

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows the changes that occur in the nervous system and in the cognitive and emotional-motivational functions in healthy and pathological aging; - knows the epidemiological, clinical and neuropsychological characteristics of dementia; - is able to set up an assessment of cognitive functions and interventions for the prevention and cognitive stimulation in healthy and pathological aging.

Course contents

The course will take place during the first semester (from September to November 2023) at the Department of Psychology, Cesena Campus (address: AULA EUROPA 1 - First floor - Viale Europa, 115 - Cesena).

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge about the biological and functional changes occurring in cognitive, motor, and affective processes, which are influenced by both normal aging and age-related pathological conditions. 

The course involves 2 modules, whose specific contents are the following:

Module 1 (Prof.ssa Borgomaneri)

Module 1 aims to enhance understanding of how physiological aging affects the structure and function of the human brain, specifically its impact on the motor system and higher-level cognitive processes like memory and emotion perception. The course will explore the effects of healthy aging on various cognitive domains, examining both physiological changes (e.g., alterations in electroencephalographic markers) and behavioral changes that significantly affect the daily lives of older individuals. Additionally, the module will delve into the application of neuromodulatory techniques for diagnosing and treating age-related conditions. 

Modulo 2 (Prof.ssa Molinari)

Module 2 includes presentations on Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementias, and Extrapyramidal Syndromes. For each of these, diagnostic criteria, epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, cognitive/behavioral aspects, and neuroimaging correlates will be discussed. The discussion of some clinical cases is also scheduled.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers and other course materials for this course will be made available at the course website. These readings are mandatory to pass the final exam.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures during which the topic of each module will be interactively discussed, group discussions of neuroscientific papers, works in small groups with class presentation.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment is conducted through a final exam, which verifies the acquisition of expected knowledge regarding the processes underlying physiological and pathological aging, neuropsychological profiles, differential diagnosis of different types of cognitive impairment, and the ability to develop a diagnostic profile based on the use of neuropsychological tests and clinical interviews. The exam consists of an oral test with open-ended questions related to the topics covered in the exam program, with specific reference to the lectures and recommended study materials. The test will be divided into two parts, in which each Professor will assess the knowledge related to their respective module. For each part, each Professor will evaluate the knowledge of the content covered in their module, assigning a grade on a scale of thirty. The final score will be determined by calculating the average of the evaluations from the two Professors, weighted according to the number of credits assigned to each module (Borgomaneri: 4/6; Molinari: 2/6). It should be noted that passing the exam requires obtaining a passing grade (18) in both parts.

During the exam, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted.

Registration for the exam is mandatory and must be done through the AlmaEsami website, strictly adhering to the specified deadlines. Those who encounter technical issues preventing them from registering by the designated date must promptly communicate the problem to the academic staff and send an email to Prof. Borgomaneri before the official closure of the registration lists. It will be at the discretion of the Professor to allow them to take the exam.

Teaching tools

Slides (PowerPoint) and video clips

Office hours

See the website of Sara Borgomaneri

See the website of Maria Angela Molinari