Syllabus

This course is based on lectures, readings taken from the primary literature, and discussions, as well as the recent research obtained through fMRI studies of patients suffering from a number of neurodegenerative diseases.

The lectures and discussions explore the clinical, behavioral, and molecular aspects of brain aging processes in humans. Topics include:

• Loss of memory and other cognitive abilities in normal aging
• Neurodegenerative conditions, such as:
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  • Multiple sclerosis

This course is offered every other year.

• Class presentations and participation (1/3 of grade)
• Mid-term test (1/3 of grade)
• Final examination (1/3 of grade)

Students are expected to present topics in class, based on the readings found in the list below. Presentations are based on lectures, readings taken from the primary literature, and class discussions. Some of the topics include loss of memory and other cognitive abilities in normal aging; and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.