Fundamentals of neuropsychological differential diagnostics of dementia 2404-P-5-PK/NP-PND

Dementia, also known as dementia, is a set of acquired and progressive mental disorders that most often appear as a result of progressive brain diseases. The clinical picture includes neurological disorders, cognitive deficits and emotional and personality changes. At the early stage of development of dementia syndromes, it is difficult to effectively differentiate between different types of dementia, and this diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. During the course, students will learn the complexity of this issue and will see that differential diagnosis in neuropsychology requires thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the Central Nervous System, mental disorders and knowledge of diagnostic tools. The classes intended for specialization in neuropsychology will mainly focus on detailed issues related to the differential diagnosis of dementia syndromes of organic etiology. During the seminar intended for specialization in Clinical Psychology, we will analyze cases of psychiatric patients whose symptoms are similar to those presented by patients in the early stage of dementia in the course of, for example, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Topics:
1. Characteristics of selected dementia syndromes (vascular dementia, neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases): symptoms and course with particular emphasis on cognitive, emotional and personality changes.
2. The use of neuroimaging techniques in the differential diagnosis of dementia.
3. Mild cognitive disorders, their types and conversion to dementia syndromes.
4. Selected batteries of tests to assess dementia (e.g. CDR, ADAS). The usefulness of screening techniques for the differential diagnosis of dementia.
5. Differentiation of individual types of dementia in the early stages of development based on selected tests assessing cognitive functions: attention, memory, executive functions, etc.
6. The importance of interview in differentiating dementia.
7. Organic or psychogenic? Cognitive disorders in psychiatric diseases (depression, schizophrenia, etc.).

Total student workload

Hours with a teacher: 30 hours Preparation of a presentation on a given topic: 30 hours Homework: 20 hours Preparation for passing the course: 40 hours Total: 120 hours

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Effects of the field of education: K_W06 has detailed knowledge of the structure and functions of the human nervous system and knows methods of examining its functions; has basic knowledge of the structure and functions of the nervous system of selected animals K_W07 has extended knowledge of the relationships between the functioning of the central nervous system and motor activities, cognitive and emotional functioning of humans Effects of the subject of education: -knows the basic methods used in the neuropsychological differential diagnosis of dementia -knows the goals, assumptions and principles of using neuropsychological diagnosis

Learning outcomes - skills

Effects of the field of education: K_U02 has the ability to use the acquired knowledge in the field of basic and higher mental processes for professional work; is able to critically analyze the effectiveness and usefulness of the knowledge used; formulates substantive conclusions and summaries; is able to carry out the diagnostic process of a person in the individual aspect and his relationship with the environment K_U14 has in-depth skills in observing, diagnosing and rationally assessing complex problem situations and analyzing human and animal behavior; is able to recognize the proper and dysfunctional functioning of people, groups and social organizations K_U15 is able to identify the sources and mechanisms of individual disorders; can propose activities that improve the quality of a person's life Effects of the subject of education: -is able to interview a patient with dementia -is able to choose neuropsychological tests for diagnosing early stages of dementia

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Effects of the field of education: K_K03 having diagnostic and therapeutic competences, applies them in a way that respects the dignity and subjectivity of the person; provides information in an understandable way and adapted to the needs and developmental level of the recipient K_K06 correctly identifies and resolves dilemmas related to performing the profession; is aware of the scope of his/her competences; can recognize situations in which he should turn to experts from another field of science/practice K_K08 is able to predict the multidirectional social effects of its activities; is aware that the situation of psychological assistance is based on a specific interpersonal relationship K_K10 follows the principles of psychologist ethics; in the relationship with the client, he is guided by the basic principle, which is his good K_K11 is aware of the level of his knowledge and skills; understands the need for lifelong learning; can inspire and organize the learning and development process of other people; demonstrates a critical attitude towards various psychological views and practices Effects of the subject of education: - is able to establish and conduct a diagnostic interview with a patient with dementia, respecting the subjectivity of the interlocutor - can recognize situations at the stage of neuropsychological diagnostics in which consultation with specialists in other fields is necessary

Teaching methods

Conventional lecture, multimedia presentations, interactive presentations discussion, case analysis

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- display

Expository teaching methods

- description
- narration
- participatory lecture
- informative (conventional) lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- presentation of a paper
- practical
- brainstorming
- seminar

Type of course

specific course (attribute withdrawn)

Prerequisites

The course is only for students enrolled in the specializations: "Neuropsychology" or "Clinical Psychology". Recommended completion of the following courses: "Introduction to clinical neuropsychology" and "Fundamentals of neuropsychological assessment"

Course coordinators

Term 2022/23Z:

Monika Lewandowska

Term 2025/26Z:

Monika Lewandowska

Term 2023/24Z:

Monika Lewandowska
Katarzyna Śliwińska

Term 2024/25Z:

Monika Lewandowska
Katarzyna Śliwińska

Assessment criteria

Meeting all of the following conditions:
Attendance at classes (2 absences allowed)
Submitting all homework on time (planned 1-2 short homework assignments per semester).
Preparing (alone or in pairs) and presenting a short (max. 20-minute) presentation on a given topic during class.
Passing a colloquium in the form of a case study of a patient with cognitive deficits.

Practical placement

Not concerns

Bibliography

Andruszko R. (2010). Depresja wieku podeszłego. PZWL.
Borkowska, A. (2011). Pamięć i jej zaburzenia w MCI. Oficyna wydawnicza Medical education.
Gabryelewicz, T., Barczak A., Barcikowska M. (2018). Otępienie w praktyce. Poznań: Termedia Wydawnictwa Medyczne.
Gauthier, S., Rossa- Neto, P. (2014). Demencja. Trafna diagnoza. Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL
Leszek J. (red.). Choroby otępienne. Teoria i praktyka. Wydawnictwo Continuo 2011.
Szczudlik. A., Barcikowska M., Liberski P. (2004). Otępienie. Kraków: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego.

Podręczniki do wybranych testów psychologicznych.
Materiały do zajęć przygotowane przez prowadzącego zajęcia.
Wybrane artykuły naukowe prezentowane na zajęciach.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2404-P-5-PK/NP-PND in USOSweb