Dementia Curriculum for Scientists
Online Video Resources
The goal of this curriculum is to provide a broad and current introduction to important aspects of dementias and dementia related research. The target audience is junior investigators. Dementia research is highly diverse in content, ranging from basic biophysical research to social science and implementation science research. Investigators entering dementia research come from very diverse disciplinary backgrounds and those completing initial training such doctoral work or fellowships usually have strong knowledge of their discipline and good knowledge of closely allied fields. Conventional training, however, doesn’t provide education about many aspects of dementia and dementia research that are important in understanding critical issues in the field. This curriculum is aimed at providing a relatively sophisticated introduction to critical aspects of dementias across the broad sweep of the field. The ultimate goal is to enhance the ability of junior investigators to read and understand relevant literature outside their own disciplines.
Module 1: Dementia Definition & Evaluation
This module features several presentations describing basic psychological and clinical features of dementias, how dementias are defined and evaluated, and an introduction to the neuropsychological methods used in many aspects of dementia research.
- Defining Dementias, Clinical Features, Natural History
- Neuropsychology Basics
- Neuropsychology of Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Neuropsychology of Other Dementias
- Clinical Evaluation of Dementias Part 1
- Clinical Evaluation of Dementias Part 2
- Psychometrics
- Behavioral & Psychiatric Features of Dementia Part 1
- Behavioral & Psychiatric Features of Dementia Part 2
Module 2: Dementia Pathology & Pathogenesis
This module includes an overview of the defining histopathologic features of dementias, plus presentations on the biologies of the proteinopathies thought to be central to most dementias. The heterogeneous vascular dementias are also discussed.
- Pathology of Dementia, Degenerative and Spinal Cord Diseases
- Alzheimer's Disease - The amyloid cascade, alternative mechanisms
- Alzheimer's Disease - Amyloidopathy
- Alzheimer's Disease - Tau Biology and Pathology
- Lewy Body Dementia - Synuycleinopathies & Synuclein
- Vascular Dementias
Module 3: Dementia Genetics
Genetic forms of dementias provide major insights into the biology of dementias. This module covers the genetics of Alzheimer disease and the Frontotemporal dementias. The approach to genetics in clinical practice and their social impacts are discussed.
- Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease
- Genetics and Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Frontotemporal Dementia
- Ethical Issues in Neurogenetic Conditions
- Genetic Risks and Genetics in Clinical Practice
Module 4: Dementia Imaging
Imaging methods are critical tools for a wide variety of dementia research. This module covers basics of MRI methods, as well as applications of MRI and PET in dementia research.
- MRI Basics Part 1
- MRI Basics Part 2
- MRI Imaging of Dementias
- PET Imaging of Dementias
Module 5: Therapy Development in Dementias
The development of effective therapies is the major goal of dementia research. This module covers present pharmacologic approaches, the nature of the drug development process, the role of biomarkers, and possible non-pharmacologic interventions.
- Pharmacologic Treatment of Dementias
- Drug Development and FDA Review Process
- Clinical Trials
- Biomarkers & Biomarker Development
- Non-Pharmacologic Interventions
Module 6: Health Services & Policy Dementia
This module covers the basics of dementia epidemiology and economic impacts.
- International Comparisons and Trends in Dementia
- Economics Costs of Dementia
Module 7: Research Performance in Ethnically
Dementia research must reach and reflect the increasing diversity of the American population. This poses a challenge for much clinical research. The presentations in the module discuss recruitment and evaluation of ethnically diverse populations
- Improving Accuracy in the Use of Cognitive Testing with African Americans
- Engaging African Americans in Research: Value of a Participant Registry
- Cognitive and Brain Aging in Older African Americans
