Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE GER5103

 
TITLE Biology of Ageing: Theory and Research

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Gerontology and Dementia Studies

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit offers an introduction to the biological, molecular and cellular aspects of human ageing, with special emphasis on the age-related aspects of cognitive decline and its relationship with dementia. It commences by delivering a historic and evolutionary perspectives on ageing and dementia research, and goes on to focus on the current state of knowledge on cognitive changes associated with normal ageing and dementia.

Subsequently, the second half will focus on more advanced molecular aspects of ageing including age-associated diseases, epigenetics and recent developments in ageing and dementia research, physiological effects on organs and systems throughout the life-course, and the characteristic features and syndromes of general illnesses and Alzheimer's Disease in old age. The third and final part of the unit will focus on longevity variation and age-associated diseases with special reference to dementia.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to
- demonstrate that, and explain why, older persons can age differently whilst those who are frail and ill require specific assessments and management that differ from younger age groups;
- employ a comprehensive analysis of complex geriatric syndromes;
- appraise the various biological theories of ageing and the evidence for and against each one;
- illustrate the essential difference between physiology and pathology as applied to the various ageing human body systems;
- appraise the biological, molecular and cellular aspects of dementia;
- deliver an evolutionary perspectives on biological ageing and dementia research;
- focus on the current state of knowledge on cognitive changes associated with normal ageing and dementia.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- appraise and list theories of ageing and the physiological changes in organ systems with age;
- demonstrate the clinical problems that may arise in old age and how these should be assessed and treated;
- explain the dynamic frailty of ageing and best management practices;
- analyse the inter-relationship between the physiological, physical, functional and social problems associated with ageing and dementia;
- appraise how the rate of biological ageing is measured and its relationship with dementia;
- discuss the mechanisms underlying cellular ageing and cognitive decline related to dementia;
- illustrate the genetic pathways that affect longevity in various organisms;

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- administer a comprehensive geriatric assessment;
- apply the Geriatric Depression scale, the Barthel scale and the Mini Mental Score examination to persons aged 60-plus;
- calculate in which stage of dementia newly diagnosed cases are found.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main text:
- Fillit, R. and Woodhouse, K. (2010). Brocklehurst's textbook of geriatric medicine and gerontology. (7th Ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.

Supplementary texts:
- Arking, R. (2006). Biology of aging: Observations and principles (3rd Ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Bowker, L.K., Price, J.D. and Smith, S.C. (2006). Oxford handbook of geriatric medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Caleb, E.F. (2002). The biology of human longevity: Inflammation, nutrition, and aging in the evolution of lifespans. Netherlands: Elsevier.
- Curran, S. and Wattis, J.P. (2004). Practical management of dementia: A multiprofessional approach. Oxford: Ratcliffe.
- Edward, J.M. and Steven, N.A. (Edt) (2006). Handbook of the biology of aging. Netherlands: Elsevier.
- Evans, W., Beattie, M. and Wilcock, G.K.. (2000). Oxford textbook of geriatric medicine (2nd Ed). New York: Oxford University Press.
- Gupta, A. (2008). Measurement scales used in elderly care. UK: Radcliffe.
- Hazzard, W.R., Blass, J.P., Halter, J.B., Ouslander, J.G. and Tinetti, M. (2003). Principles of geriatric medicine and gerontology (5th Ed). NY: McGraw-Hill.
- Jacoby, R., Oppenheimer, C., Dening, T. and Thomas, A. (2008). Oxford textbook of old age psychiatry. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Lindesay, J., Rockwood, K. and Macdonald, A. (2002). Delirium in old age. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Pathy, M.S.J., Sinclair, A.J. and Morley, J.E. (2006). Principles and practice of geriatric medicine. New York: Wiley.
- Wilcock, G. K., Bucks, R. S. and Rockwood, K. (1999). Diagnosis and management of dementia. A manual for memory disorders teams.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Group Learning and Online Learning

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Online Moderated Discussions and Postings SEM2 No 20%
Presentation (20 Minutes) SEM2 Yes 20%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 60%

 
LECTURER/S Christian Borg Xuereb (Co-ord.)
Rebecca Catania
Doriella Galea

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit