Course Description
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the Federal Government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has primary responsibility for basic, clinical, behavioral, and social research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), aimed at finding ways to treat and, ultimately, prevent this disease. The Institute’s AD research program is integral to its mission, which is to enhance the health and well-being of older people. This 2009 Progress Report on Alzheimer’s Disease summarizes recent AD research conducted or supported by NIA and other components of NIH.
Course Objectives:
1. Evaluate key Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research findings and activities that have focused on understanding and combating the devastating disease.
2. Identify genetic and other risk factors for AD as well as biomarkers for detection and diagnosis.
3. Differentiate between symptoms and characteristics of the normal aging process and those of Alzheimer's Disease.
4. Recognize potential strategies to prevent and treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease, and ways to assist AD family members and caregivers.