NPSM005 (CPY6127) Neuropsychology of memory and dementia
Annotation:
The present unit aims at combining cognitive, neuropsychological, and neurobiological approaches in order to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge in the domain of neuropsychology of memory dysfunction and its assessment. Specifically, students will be presented with knowledge on the relationship between brain function and structure and specific aspects of memory decline impairments, and disorders, in relation to brain lesions, illness, and normal aging. Different types of amnesia are going to be discussed, but the emphasis will be particularly placed on the discussion of dementia types, the underlying neuropathology, and relevant treatments. Students will conduct neuropsychological evaluations in class, and apply knowledge in preparing diagnostic and reflective reports for clinical cases. The latter, aims at training transferable skills required for those who wish to pursue a research-oriented career within cognitive neuropsychology or a clinically oriented career in neuropsychology. Ethical challenges in neuropsychology will also be discussed during the lectures.
Lecturers:
Assist. Prof. Maria Tziraki, PhD
Assoc. Prof. Shima Mehrabian-Spasova, MD, PhD, DSc
Asst. Prof. Ivo Popivanov, PhD
Course Description:
Competencies:
Students who complete this course:
1) will know:
the domain of neuropsychology of memory, with emphasis placed on amnesia and dementia cases; the relationship between brain function/ structure and memory disorders, related to brain lesions, illness, and aging; current trends in neuropsychological research and empirically-based interventions within the specialism of memory disorders and impairments; how to combine cognitive, neuropsychological, and neurobiological knowledge in preparing clinical descriptions and reflective reports for clinical cases of memory disorder/dysfunction;
2) will be able to:
display advanced theoretical knowledge and critically think on the relationship between brain function/ structure and memory disorders that are related to brain injury, illness, or aging; critically discuss current trends in neuropsychological research and the diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders; apply cognitive, neuropsychological, and neurobiological knowledge in preparing reflective clinical reports and diagnostic evaluations for cases of neurocognitive disorders;
Prerequisites:
NPSN001
Types:
Full-time Programmes
Types of Courses:
Lecture
Language of teaching:
English
Topics:
- Introduction to Neuropsychology of Memory: Brain Anatomy and Memory
- Cases of Amnesia – Theoretical Implications
- Introduction to Dementias – Theory/ models, aetiology, typology. Neuropsychological Assessment in the Diagnosis of Dementias
- Alzheimer’s – Part I: Aetiology, Symptoms, Stages
- Alzheimer’s – Part II: Assessment and Diagnosis
- Non-Alzheimer’s Dementias: Frontotemporal Dementia, Vascular Dementia
- Consolidation
- Non-Alzheimer’s Dementias: Dementia due to Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia
- Differential Diagnosis of Dementia & Challenges in the Assessment & Treatment
- Differentiating Normal Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Aetiology, Typology, Diagnosis, Assessment.
- Considerations and ethical challenges in the Assessment, Management, Treatment of Dementias
- Revision
Bibliography:
Ravdin, L. D., & Katzen, H. L. (2019). Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Aging and Dementia (2nd ed.) New York, NY: Springer
Baddeley, A. D., Wilson, B. A., Watts, F. N. (1995). The Handbook Of Memory Disorders. UK: John Wiley & Sons.
Ravdin, L. D., & Katzen, H. L. (2013). Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Aging and Dementia. New York, NY: Springer.
Additional readings:
Lezak, M. D., et al., (2012). Neuropsychological Assessment (5th ed.) Oxford University Press, New York.
Morgan, J. E., & Ricker, J. H. (2008). Textbook Of Clinical Neuropsychology. Psychology Press, New York.
Anderson, P. J., Anderson, V., & Jacobs, R. (2014). Executive Functions and the Frontal Lobes: A Lifespan Perspective (2nd ed.). New York, US: Psychology Press, New York.
Marcotte, T. D. & Grant, I. (2010). Neuropsychology Of Everyday Functioning. Guilford Press, New York.
Albert, M. S., DeKosky, S. T., Dickson, D., Dubois, B., Feldman, H. H., Fox, N. C., ... & Snyder, P. J. (2011). The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 7(3), 270-279.
Morris, J. C. (2012). Revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment may compromise the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Archives of Neurology, 69(6), 700-708.
Pimentel, E. M. (2009). Role of neuropsychological assessment in the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Dementia & Neuropsychologia, 3, 214-221.
Salmon, D. P., & Bondi, M. W. (2009). Neuropsychological assessment of dementia. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 257-282.
Stephan, B. C. M., Minett, T., Pagett, E., Siervo, M., Brayne, C., & McKeith, I. G. (2013). Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in clinical trials: a systematic review. BMJ Open, 3(2), e001909.