Aging and age-related disorders

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/P_MAGEDIS

Course Objective

The overall objective of this course is to provide advanced and up-to-date knowledge on and insight in the neuropathological, cognitive and behavioural consequences of aging and age
- related neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific focus on dementia. At the end of the course, students will be able to: Describe the neurobiological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and Related disorders, such as Lewy Body disease, Frontotemporal dementia and vascular dementia.Describe the societal impact related to the aging population and dementiaDescribe the difference between genetic risk, genetic susceptibility and genetic causes in the context of Alzheimer's disease, as well as discuss the most important genetic risk factorsExplain and discuss the neurobiological trajectory from healthy aging to mild cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as potential modifying factors in this trajectory.Discuss whether it is possible to become extremely old without any signs of dementia from a neuropathological and functional standpointDiscuss the relationship between neuronal network changes and cognitive changes, and can describe the role of network changes in the different types of dementia. Discuss the value of neuroimaging and biofluid biomarkers, as well as neuropsychological assessments in the context of aging and dementia.Critically reflect upon (non)pharmacological interventions and lifestyle prevenion in the field of dementia, and take methodological considerations into account when designing new interventions.Critically evaluate the concept of dementia when taking diversity into account

Course Content

This course will discuss current neurobiological, neuropsychological, and biomarker models of different neurodegenerative diseases, as well as of (extremely) healthy cognitive aging. In interactive lectures by world-leading (guest) lecturers and experts, students will learn to critically evaluate several key concepts in the field of (ab)normal aging and neurodegeneration. Recent scientific papers will be used as learning material, and students will learn how to formulate answers to research questions in a flip-the-classroom assignment.

Teaching Methods

Plenary lectures, e-learning, assignments, flip-the-classroom assignment

Method of Assessment

The exam will consist of open-end questions, as well as a flipped-the-classroom assignment

Literature

Research papers will be used as learning material.

Target Audience

Master students

Recommended background knowledge

The course is mainly relevant for students with a background in psychology, neuroscience, health sciences. Recommended prior reading: Fundamental of Human Neuropsychology (Kolb & Whishaw)