Biology and Physiology of Aging

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic biochemistry and physiology.

Teaching Methods

The lectures provided by teachers are used for the presentation of general concepts of molecular, cellular and control associated with aging, as well as the main physiological and pharmacological modifications present in the elderly.

Theoretical and practical classes in the form of directed seminars, with students presentation of scientific articles selected by teachers and discussed in group work.

Learning Outcomes

The primary objective of this unit is to allow an analysis of the cont. of different modifications, at the molecular, cellular and control levels, for the functional modifications observed upon aging. The secondary objective is to develop competences to apply these generic concepts to solving a series of defined problems formulated in scientific papers selected for presentation and discussion.

1-Analysis of the relative contribution of molecular,cellular and system control modifications responsible for the main different functional changes present during aging

2-Ability to understand generic concepts and apply such concepts to particular situations

3-Skills of oral presentation of scientific data in the form of scientific papers

4-Ability to participate in group discussions of these scientific papers

5-Ability to define the state of the art of a particular topic presented in the form of a short monograph

6-Acquisition of skills of self-learning (learn to learn) and ongoing study

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Defining a population for an aging study, animal models for studying aging.

2. Theories of molecular and genetic modifications. Somatic mutations and aging, telomeres and 'gerontogenes'.

3. Cellular theories of formation of radicals and ‘advanced end-glycosylated products’. Food and energy consumption.

4. Theories of mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial function, bio-energy and free radical formation.

5. Sensory changes with age (vision and visual perception, hearing and skin sensitivity). Structured presentation of physiological changes and central nervous system. Cognitive dysfunction, particularly Alzheimer's disease, motor control, particularly in Parkinson's disease and sleep.

6. Psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, delusions and hallucinations). Psychoactive medication in the elderly.

7. Issues of medication in the elderly.

8. Intervention perspectives in the elderly.

Head Lecturer(s)

Rodrigo Pinto Santos Antunes Cunha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
The assessment consists of a final examination or is composed by: -evaluation of the oral presentation and participation in the group discussions of all scientific papers selected (50%) -presentation of a monograph about a topic selected by the student and previously validated by the teachers (50%): 100.0%

Bibliography

Clark, W.R., (2002). A Means to an End. The Biological Basis of Aging and Death. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Masoro, E.J. & Austad, S.N. (2001). Handbook of the Biology of Aging. New York: Academic Press.

Timira, P.S.(2003). ‘Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics.  Boca Raton: CRC Press.