Objectives and competences
Student will be introduced to:
- dementia in general and Alzheimer's disease,
- basics of Alzheimer's disease and its development,
- distinguishing between different neurodegenerative envelopes that cause dementia,
- diagnostic procedures for Alzheimer's disease,
- neuropsychological tests commonly used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease,
- different brain imaging techniques,
- risk factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease,
- non-pharmacological approaches to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and to delay its onset.
Content (Syllabus outline)
Definition of dementia.
Historical background of Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms and development of Alzheimer's disease.
Epidemiology of Alzheimer's disease.
Biological bases: plaques and ribbons.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Criteria and procedures.
Neuropsychological evaluation.
Brain imaging.
Cerebrospinal fluid.
Definition of other types of dementia: Frontotemporal dementia, Lewy-body dementia, and vascular dementia
Description of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Learning and teaching methods
Interactive lectures
problem-based units,
elements of E-learning,
frontal form of teaching,
demonstrations
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- distinguish between dementia and Alzheimer's disease,
- distinguish between different dementias,
- understand and evaluate existing diagnostic approaches for Alzheimer's disease,
- understand and evaluate different non-pharmacological approaches to reduce Alzheimer's disease,
- be able to apply the learned knowledge and approaches in their own work.
Readings
Temeljna literatura/Basic literature:
Pregelj, P., Kores Plesničar, B., Tomori, M., Zalar, B. & Ziherl, S., 2013. Psihiatrija. Ljubljana: Medicinska fakulteta Univerze v Ljubljani, Psihiatrična klinika Ljubljana.
Kavčič, V., 2015. Umovadba: za bistre možgane v pozningh letih. Miš. Dob, Slovenija.
Dodatna literatura/Additional literature:
Middleton-Green, L., 2017. End of life care for people with dementia: a person-centred approach. London: Jessica Kingslez Publishers.
Peterson, R., 2006. Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer's Disease. Minesotta: USA.
Prerequisits
Prerequisites for taking the course:
None.
Conditions for fulfilling study obligations:
Active participation in a tutorial and preparation of seminar work are required for taking the exam. Attendance is checked.
