Learning objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding. Students will learn a good understanding of the techniques of rehabilitation for specific memory function that would allow them to process and/or apply them in the context of basic and applied research.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Students will be able to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in dealing with issues clinical/rehabilitative new or unfamiliar managing the assessment and the treatment outcomes in interdisciplinary contexts.
3. Independence of judgment. Students will develop critical thinking skills and independent judgment with respect to the formulation of rehabilitation and functional rehabilitation protocols that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge.
4. Communication skills. Students will be able to communicate clearly and unambiguously their observations, procedures and conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale, to specialist and non-specialist.
5. Learning ability. Students will be able to upgrade from reliable sources and to continue their professional development on their own.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The course aims to offer state of the art and the evidence of effectiveness compared to the treatment of neuropsychological functions of memory resulting from degenerative diseases (MCI, dementia), stroke and other cerebrovascular events, head trauma, multiple sclerosis examining the potential interactions between features patient, interventions and outcome. The course deals with the possibilities of recovery, compensation and rehabilitation based on the functional brain plasticity, the most current techniques of EEG biofeedback in order to promote the autonomy and social integration of the individual and the progressive attention devoted to the life styles modification.
Full programme
•What does it mean recovery of functions, it is possible to recover and how?
•Changes in the memory functioning as a result of intervention or rehabilitation
Cognitive and behavioral methods. •Stimulation and functional rehabilitation of the preserved abilities (explicit and implicit memory, prospective memory, external aid and prosthetic environments).
•Individual cognitive psychotherapy in brain injured people: problem solving, self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, guided communication for the recovery of consciousness.
•Treatment of mood symptoms associated with the losses of memory.
•Environmental modification and prosthetic intervention.
•Assessment and counseling to the patient, family and care-givers.
Technology at the service of rehabilitation: rehabilitation software, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and BCI (Brain Computer Interface).
•EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback and brain stimulation.
•Outcomes verification and evidence of effectiveness.
Bibliography
Pino, O. (2017). Ricucire i ricordi. La memoria, i suoi disturbi, evidenze di efficacia dei trattamenti riabilitativi. Milano: Mondadori Università.
Ladavas, E. (2012). La riabilitazione neuropsicologica. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Only for the student who attend classes: a written group report (to be delivered one week before the exam) based on two from the following scientific papers:
1) Martins, A., Fregni, F., Simis, M., & Almeida, J. (2017). Neuromodulation as a cognitive enhancement strategy in healthy older adults: promises and pitfalls. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 24:2, 158-185. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2016.1176986
2) das Nair et al. (2019). Clinical and cost effectiveness of memory rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 33(7) 1171–1184. doi: 10.1177/0269215519840069
3) Assenza, G. et al., (2017). Oscillatory activities in neurological disorders of elderly: biomarkers to target for neuromodulation. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9, 189. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00189
4) Ge, S. et al., (2018). Technology-based cognitive training and rehabilitation interventions for individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review. BMC Geriatrics, 18, 213. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0893-1
5) Erten, M.N. and Brown, A.D. (2018). Memory specificity training for depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: a promising therapeutic intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 419. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00419
6) Kober, S.E et al., (2015). Specific effects of EEG based neurofeedback training on memory functions in post-stroke victims. Journal of Neuro Engineering and Rehabilitation, 12, 107. doi: 10.1186/s12984-015-0105-6.
7) Park et al., (2014). Long-term effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with computer-assisted cognitive training in healthy older adults. NeuroReport, 25:122–126. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000000080
Teaching methods
The course takes place mainly by means of traditional lectures that will cover the main contents with many references to theories and theoretical models and applied aspects of the discipline. Video tutorial, scientific paper and report, practice, may accompany the lessons in order to actively involve students giving them the opportunity to design individualized solutions to real cases and apply the knowledge learned.
Assessment methods and criteria
As mid-term progress attending classes students will be requested to write a report on 3 scientific papers. The report will shown the ability of learning, understanding, processing, and scientific communication reached.
The oral examination will ascertain the attainment of all the objectives of the course. Any questions regarding the contents tend to check whether the student has attained a solid foundation of knowledge and a deep understanding of what has been treated. Questions about rehabilitation protocols and functional rehabilitation will reflect the acquisition of analytical ability, critical, independent judgment and responsibility for organization and management. The final evaluation will be derived from the accuracy levels achieved for each training goal corresponding to 6 classes of evaluation (A to F).
Other information
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