CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND CEREBRAL PLASTICITY

Course objectives

Aim of the course is to develop in-depth and specific knowledge in the field of clinical neuropsychology, with particular reference to the theoretical-methodological principles that guide the different forms of neuropsychological intervention. For this purpose, reference will be made to an in-depth analysis of the current scientific literature and the available guidelines. The course will allow the acquisition of skills in the development, planning and conduct of evidence-based clinical projects. Upon completion of the course the student is expected to have achieved the following specific learning objectives (Dublin indicators): I) Knowledge and understanding: through the analysis of the scientific literature and the practical application in the laboratory activity, students will have to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of clinical neuropsychology, and of the neuropsychological disorders present in individuals affected by developmental anomalies and pathologies, of neuropsychological deficits acquired in the course of neurological pathologies, as well as of the neuropsychological correlates in psychiatric pathologies and in the course of pathologies that are not primarily neurological. II) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: students must be able to contextualize the acquired knowledge and evaluate its application in clinical and rehabilitation contexts of the different theoretical-methodological approaches (rational, holistic, restorative, compensatory). III) Making judgments: students will acquire the ability to analyze clinical cases, identifying strengths and weaknesses in neuropsychological profiles; they will also have to be able to choose the appropriate theoretical-methodological approach for different types of cases (acquired, neurodegenerative, developmental and ongoing non-primarily neurological pathologies) neuropsychological anomalies be able to critically analyze and evaluate accurately the adequacy of methodology regarding the various fields of experimental psychophysiology. IV) Communication skills: through discussion and group comparison, students must be able to communicate the results of their clinical analyzes clearly and effectively. V) Learning skills: at the end of the course, students will be able to independently deepen their knowledge, using a rigorous, critical and evidence-based approach.

Channel 1
CECILIA GUARIGLIA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
he aim of the course is to develop in-depth and specific knowledge in the field of clinical neuropsychology and brain plasticity, with particular reference to the theoretical and methodological principles that guide the various forms of neuropsychological assessment and intervention. To this end, an in-depth analysis of current scientific literature will be used, also as study material. The topics covered include: brain plasticity in development and in spontaneous post-injury recovery and after rehabilitation; behavioral methods for stimulating plasticity; neuropsychological models of behavioral disorders; neurocognitive models of delirium; symptoms, epidemiology, and neural correlates of schizophrenic disorders; the neuropsychological profile of schizophrenia; symptoms, epidemiology, and neural correlates of mood disorders; the neuropsychological profile of mood disorders; organic psychoses; anosognosia and productivity deficits in right-sided brain-injured patients; anosognosia and productivity deficits in left-sided brain-injured patients; Behavioral disorders in TCE and GCA; manifestations of dyscontrol in TCE and GCA; clinical neuropsychology of genetic syndromes; clinical neuropsychology of neurodevelopmental disorders; neuropsychology of OCD, borderline personality disorder, narcissism, anxiety disorders, and phobias; body image disorders; behavioral disorders and delirium in neurodegenerative diseases. During laboratory activities, students will learn to use commonly used tests and questionnaires in neuropsychological diagnostic assessments and to apply techniques for stimulating plasticity and neuropsychological treatment of various types of deficits. N.B.: The lecture and laboratory program may be subject to change due to specific teaching needs and/or at the student's request.
Prerequisites
basic knowledge about neuropsychology, psychobiology, psychophysiology, cognitive psychology
Books
Denes, Pizzamiglio et al. (a cura di) Manuale di Neuropsicologia - Zanichelli ed. Neuropsicologia dei disturbi emotivi e psicopatologici a cura di Conson M e Trojano L Ed. Il Mulino scientific papers provided during the course
Frequency
as established in the Academic Code, attendance of at least 2/3 of the laboratory is mandatory. Exemptions are described in the CdLM regulations attendance of theoretical lessons is strongly recommended
Exam mode
Attendance laboratories according to rules established by the CdLM (presence in at least 75% of the laboratories with exceptions for students who are certified workers, parents of minor children, in Erasmus, assistance to relatives according to law 104, ecc.) is mandatory and constitutes eligibility for access to the exam. To encourage attendance of theoretical lessons, 10% of the lessons will be held in mixed mode (presence in the classroom and online) according to a schedule that will be agreed with the students at the beginning of the course. The written exam consists of 20 multiple choice questions and is passed with 11 correct answers. Students who have passed the written test are admitted to the oral test. The oral test focuses on the discussion of the exam material.
Lesson mode
theoretical lessons in presence; 10% of theoretical lessons will be delivered in mixed mode (presence and telematics); laboratory in presence
  • Lesson code10611986
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseCognitive Neurosciences and Psychological Rehabilitation
  • CurriculumNeuropsicologia (percorso formativo valido anche ai fini del rilascio del doppio titolo italo-colombiano)
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDM-PSI/02
  • CFU9