LEARNING OUTCOMES

After a review on problems linked to ageing, the class aim is to describe principal diagnostic techniques to identify cognitive neurodegenerative pathology and psychological impairment like depression. Furthermore will be considered intervention programs to prevent/rehabilitate/preserve both cognitive and psychosocial functioning  and maintain elderly self-sufficiency.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lectures the student will be able:

• to know the main psychological schools and place them along the timeline with particular attention to historical, economic and social  context in which were calling themselves
• to possess the basic knowledge of the main areas of interest in the modern scientific psychology
• to recognise the areas of application of psychological theories
• to use the acquired knowledge to make more effective its professional action  in the field of education

PREREQUISITES

To tackle the course you must have the fundamentals of general psychology, the basics of developmental psychology with particular reference to the concept of development during the life span, and elements of psychometrics for the construction, validation and use of psychometric tests.

TEACHING METHODS

Frequency of at least 65% of lessons. [in case it is not possible, for health reasons, to take the lessons in presence, they will be delivered remotely in streaming mode].

Use of slides and materials available on the AulaWeb site. Use of tools such as Wooclap and/or H5P for classroom exercises

Students with DSA certification, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods which, in accordance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools. Please note that the Department's contact person for disability support is Prof. Claudio Torrigiani [claudio.torrigiani@unige.it].

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

From one side the class will examine ageing processes and their effects on principal psychological functions on the other side it will describe main steps of diagnostic process in ageing psychology as well as the most employed diagnostic test in geropsychology. Attention will be focused to age related changes on cognitive functions as well as to depression and techniques/programs of ageing processes prevention so that people’s self-sufficiency period might be prolonged.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. De Beni R., Borella E. (a cura di), Psicologia dell’invecchiamento e della longevità, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2015
2. Bianchi A. (a cura di), L’esame neuropsicologico dell’adulto. Applicazioni cliniche e forensi, Giunti O.S., Firenze, 2013 [Cap. VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI]
3. Di Nuovo S., Vianello R. (a cura di), Deterioramento cognitivo: forme, diagnosi e intervento. Una prospettiva Life-Span, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2013 [Cap. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12]

Accessory readings

Papers and other books’ chapters could be indicated during the lessons