Learning objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with an advanced knowledge of the basic principles at the basis of various structural and functional neuroimaging techniques, their applications to the study of cognitive functions and of cognitive decline in physiological and abnormal ageing. An additional aim of the course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and differentiate the various neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and neuropsychology
Course unit content
Basic principles at the basis of the main neuroimaging techniques. General characteristics of various neuroimaging modalities. Analytic techniques for the analysis of brain signals. Experimental designs and paradigms for the study of cerebral functions using functional neuroimaging. Morphometry. Structural covariance, Functional connectivity. Structural connectivity. Cognitive networks. Factors influencing cognitive networks in normal and pathological ageing. Main neurodegenerative diseases causing cognitive decline. Clinical, cognitive and neuroimaging characteristics of the main forms of neurodegenerative dementia. Basic principles of assessment and differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroimaging profiles of the various forms of neurodegenerative dementia.
Full programme
Introduction to basic physics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) and position emission tomography (PET). Different forms of structural MRI, functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Analysis of MRI and SPECT/PET signal. Block design and event related design. Task-based and resting state fMRI. Graph theory, tract-based spatial statistics, statistical parametric mapping, voxel-based morphometry. Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease, frontotemporal degeneration, rarer forms of neurodegeneration. Assessment techniques, neurocognitive and neuroimaging profiles of the dementias.
Bibliography
Michael I. Posner, Michael J. Posner, Marcus E. Raichle, Images of Mind, 1997, Henry Holt and Company
Manoj Mannil, Sebastian F.-X. Winklhofer, Neuroimaging Techniques in Clinical Practice: Physical Concepts and Clinical Applications, 2020, Springer
David Ames, John T. O'Brien, Alstair Burns, Dementia 2017 Productivity Press
Specific scientific articles will be provided for each lecture
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminars, reading and critical discussion of scientific articles.
Assessment methods and criteria
Final oral examination on the recommended textbooks, on lectures and on further material provided at lectures.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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