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This course is designed to educate about advances in cognitive neuroscience as it relates to aging. Cognitive neuroscience is currently receiving intense coverage in the media, and this course will provide a deeper understanding of what people read and hear outside of the classroom. Some questions we will try to answer include: What does or does not change with age? Is aging synonymous with decline? Are all age-related changes negative? What can we do to bring about optimal aging? In light of this, the course has two main objectives. The first is for students to acquire basic understanding of the brain structures and their functions. We will look at the changes the brain undergoes with aging, and how these changes affect our cognitive functions such as memory, learning and problem solving. Furthermore, we will look at the evidence suggesting that such alterations do not necessarily signal the decline in cognitive functions. The second objective is to learn about emerging findings of environmental factors that promote optimal brain aging. We will look at how mental stimulation, lifestyle, diet, exercise, sleep, social activities, social support, stress, and attitude affect the way we age. Research has shown that people who continue to use their minds actively and creatively are more likely to age successfully, and this can be true well into the ninth decade of life. We will also look at different strategies that can help improve brain functioning and thus lead to optimal aging.
Helen Yankovich, PhD VIEW BIO
Section 300
Thur, September 25 - November 13, 06:00 pm-08:00 pm
Clare Small 208
8 sessions
$176
CU: 