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 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)

The course of lectures aims to provide knowledge about the impact of physiological aging on the anatomy and physiology of the human brain, as well as the effects of these changes on the motor system and high-level cognitive processes, such as memory and emotional perception. The impact of aging on various cognitive domains will be explored, assessing both physiological changes (e.g., alteration of electroencephalographic markers) and behavioral changes that affect the daily lives of elderly individuals. Finally, the practical applications of neuromodulation for diagnosing and combating aging-related diseases will be presented. 

Modulo 2 (Prof.ssa Molinari)

During the lessons, the preclinical (subjective cognitive impairment and mild cognitive impairment) and clinical stages of neurodegenerative diseases will be covered: Alzheimer's dementia in its different clinical phenotypes, Frontotemporal dementias, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and typical and atypical Extrapyramidal Syndromes. For each clinical picture, the etiopathogenetic mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, epidemiological, neurological, and neuroradiological aspects will be discussed, with a particular focus on the cognitive-behavioral characteristics of each condition and a discussion of neuropsychologist tools.

 

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.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides (PowerPoint) and video clips

Office hours

See the website of Sara Borgomaneri

See the website of Maria Angela Molinari