Dementia for Scientists Curriculum

a screen of mri

The Dementia for Scientists Curriculum provides investigators with an introduction to important aspects of dementia-related research.

This curriculum aims to provide a broad and current introduction to important aspects of dementia and dementia-related research. The target audience is junior investigators.

Why did we create this curriculum?

Dementia research is highly diverse in content, ranging from basic biophysical research to social science. While investigators entering the field from diverse research backgrounds are well-trained in their own discipline, they may lack broader knowledge of the many aspects of dementia and dementia research that are important in understanding critical issues in the field. This curriculum aims to provide 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 disciplines.

How the curriculum is structured

The curriculum comprises nine modules, each addressing an important area in contemporary dementia research. The modules begin with basic definitional material (Module 1: Dementia Definition and Evaluation) and proceed through the biology of dementias (Module 2: Dementia Pathology & Pathogenesis; Module 3: Dementia Genetics), clinical research (Module 4: Dementia Imaging; Module 5: Therapy Development in Dementias), and important policy and social science aspects of dementias (Module 6: Health Services and Policy Dementia Research; Module 7: Approaches to Community-Partnered Research with At-Risk Populations). 

We encourage users to view all modules, though many may wish to focus on topics outside their areas of expertise. Modules 1, 2, 5, and 6 constitute core elements everyone should know.

Curriculum Summary

  • Introduction: What's New in Alzheimer's & the Michigan ADRC 
  • Module 1: Dementia Definition & Evaluation 
  • Module 2: Dementia Pathology & Pathogenesis 
  • Module 3: Dementia Genetics 
  • Module 4: Dementia Imaging 
  • Module 5: Therapy Development in Dementias
  • Module 6: Health Services and Policy Dementia Research
  • Module 7: Approaches to Community-Partnered Research with At-Risk Populations
  • Module 8: HIV & Cognitive Performance 
  • Module 9: Cognition Oriented Treatments in Aging & Dementia 
Feedback

Please send any feedback to Stephanie Nava at [email protected] or 734-615-1755.

Introduction: What's New in Alzheimer's and the Michigan ADRC

Dr. Henry Paulson shares the latest advancements in Alzheimer's disease research and clinical care, and what is new at the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at U-M Neurology Grand Rounds.

Module 1: Dementia Definition & Evaluation

In this module you will learn the basics of the neuropsychological and clinical definitions of dementia as well as the psychometrics by which these evaluations are measured.

Module 2: Dementia Pathology & Pathogenesis

In this module you will learn about amyloid and tau in Alzheimer’s type dementia, synucleionopathies in Lewy body dementia, and vascular components to dementia. It will also explore the neuropathology of dementia.

Module 3: Dementia Genetics

In this module you will learn the basics of genetic contributions to both Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. It will also explore ethical issues in neurogenetic conditions.

Module 4: Dementia Imaging

In this module you will learn the basics of MRI and PET imaging in dementia.

Module 5: Therapy Development in Dementia

In this module you will examine both pharmacological and non-pharmacologic treatment of dementias as well as the phases of clinical trials and the drug development/FDA process.

Module 6: Health Services & Policy in Dementia

In this module you will learn about the international comparisons of dementia, including the economics and dementia disparities. It will also explore Alzheimer’s disease biomarker testing and disclosure.

Module 7: Approaches to Community-Partnered Research with At-Risk Populations

In this module you will learn about relationships in clinical research, research performance in at-risk populations and cognitive and brain aging in older African Americans.

Module 8: HIV and Cognitive Performance

In this module you will examine how HIV associated neurocognitive disorder in adults living with HIV overlaps with dementia.

Module 9: Cognition Oriented Treatments in Aging and Dementia

In this module you will learn about advancements in cognition oriented treatments in aging and mild cognitive impairment.