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 advanced knowledge on the biological and functional changes in cognitive, motor, and affective processes affected by physiological aging, as well as on new frontiers in the treatment of aging-related pathologies.

Lections include the acquisition of knowledge regarding the impact of physiological aging on the anatomy and physiology of the human brain, and on how these changes affect the motor system and higher-order cognitive processes such as memory and emotional perception. The impact of aging on different cognitive domains will be examined, evaluating both physiological changes (e.g., alterations in electroencephalographic markers) and behavioral changes that affect the daily lives of older adults. Finally, the applied potential of neuromodulation for the diagnosis and/or treatment of aging-related pathologies will be presented.

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

Learning assessment takes place through a final examination, which verifies the acquisition of the expected knowledge regarding the processes underlying physiological aging. The exam consists of an oral test with open-ended questions related to the topics included in the course, with specific reference to lectures and the materials suggested for exam preparation.

The exam is considered passed with a minimum grade of 18/30.

The assessment will be based on the following grading criteria:

Grade 18–20: Responses are satisfactory or just satisfactory, demonstrating a superficial knowledge of the topics and a limited understanding of the relevant literature. The ability to elaborate on the content is basic and lacks depth.

Grade 21–23: Responses are fair, reflecting an overall adequate but not consistently in-depth preparation. Knowledge of the relevant literature is sufficient, although not always detailed, and the ability to critically elaborate on the content is only partially developed.

Grade 24–26: Responses are good, demonstrating a generally solid knowledge of the topics and a satisfactory level of engagement with the relevant literature. The content is presented accurately and coherently, with a good ability to synthesize information.

Grade 27–30: Responses are comprehensive or highly comprehensive, characterized by an in-depth knowledge of the relevant literature and a strong ability to critically analyze and elaborate on the content.

Grade 30 cum laude: Responses are outstanding, demonstrating complete and thorough mastery of the topics, an exceptionally advanced level of critical analysis, and extensive independent integration of the literature.

During the examination, the use of supporting materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted. With regard to the assessment of learning outcomes, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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