Cognitive Neurosciences and Psychological Rehabilitation

Theoretical section (3 cfu): weeks 1-4: Introduction to the course (contacts, program, texts, exams). The organization of human knowledge; mental representations; the concept of cognitive map; Biofeedback and BMI; Top-down modulation and bottom-up processing. The attention network (fMRI studies and experiments on humans and animals). weeks 5-8: Movement control (muscle synergies, postural tone, complex movement regulation); planning, programming and execution; verbal production; language components (fMRI studies); analysis and integration of verbal sounds; the language network; aphasia; apraxic disorders; split-brain and hemispheric specialization. weeks 9-12: Working memory, associative networks and logical reasoning processes; regularities and internal models; decision-making; the Supervisory System; habits and reward system (fMRI studies); executive functions; the anatomical-functional organization of the frontal lobe; neuropsychology of the frontal lobe. Laboratory section (3 cfu) Weeks 1-4: Introduction to the course (contacts, program, texts, exams). The neurological approach to CNS damage. Neuropsychological assessment (aims and methods; the npsic. test: characteristics, validity, order of administration, practical problems). Difficult assessments. Weeks 5-7: TBI and Stroke (neurophysiopathology; epidemiology, definitions, clinical characteristics; behavioral findings; diagnostic approach, rehabilitation intervention). Weeks 8-12: classroom activities (drafting a report based on NPsi assessment results; planning an assessment based on CT/MRI report; discussion and analysis of the papers produced); presentation and discussion of video recordings of selected clinical cases (aphasia; apraxia; frontal deficits; hemineglect).

Basic notions of anatomy and physiology of the human central nervous system. It is recommended to have passed or attended a course in neuropsychology.

Textbooks (mandatory): A. Mazzucchi (a cura di) La riabilitazione neuropsicologica (4a ed.). Editore Elsevier. Suggested readings: M.R. Pizzamiglio (a cura di) La riabilitazione neuropsicologica in età evolutiva. Franco Angeli. Lezak M. et al.: "Neuropsychological Assessment", 5th ed., Oxford University Press. Noggle C., Dean R. (Eds): "Neuropsychological Rehabilitation", Springer Publishing Company 2013 Denes, Pizzamiglio, Guariglia, Cappa, Grossi, Luzzatti: manuale di neuropsicologia, 3a ed., Zanichelli 2019

The course is organized in a series of lectures aimed at guiding students through the program’s topics with the help of slides, videos and classroom discussion.

Attendance is recommended for the theoretical section of the course. For the laboratory part of the course (3 hrs per week) attendance is mandatory.

The final written test aims to assess student understanding of the course topics in a consistent, organic and critical form. Five ordinary exam sessions (usually may/june/july/september/dec.-jan) plus three extraordinary sessions (on request) will be scheduled throughout the year according to academic activity. Learning assessment takes place through a written assignment (duration: 120 min.) consisting of four open questions about the contents of the main textbook and five multiple choice questions dealing with the topics of the laboratory course. In case of a positive score to the written test, it is possible to ask for an oral integration. To pass the written test, all answers to the four open questions must be sufficiently clear and comprehensive, and at least three correct answers must be given to the multiple-choice questions relating to the topics covered in the lab part of the course.

The course is organized in a series of lectures aimed at guiding students through the program’s topics with the help of slides, videos and classroom discussion.