330.802.01 SEMINAR ON AGING, COGNITION AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS

Addresses age-related cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders that are of particular importance with the rapid expansion of the aging population. Focuses on the major domains of cognition and comparison of the age-related changes that occur in each cognitive domain. Includes emphasis on contrasting the major neurodegenerative disorders related to age and describing the clinical presentation and pattern of cognitive change in each condition. Participants address current strategies for maximizing cognitive function with age and treatment strategies for the primary neurodegenerative disorders. Participants examine and identify gaps in knowledge and research approaches to fill these gaps. Explores concepts of cognitive systems, animal and imaging models, and selective pathological change with age and disease.

The course will prepare students to classify the major domains of cognition and describe the age-related changes that occur in each cognitive domain; to classify the major neurodegenerative disorders related to age and describe the clinical presentation and pattern of cognitive change in each disorder; to identify gaps in knowledge concerning age-related cognitive change and the primary neurodegenerative disorders and apply concepts to the development and evaluation of future interventions for age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders that cause cognitive impairment in older persons.