OVERVIEW

The knowledge of the demography of aging and the biology of aging along with the main geriatric syndromes and fragility trajectories is of key relevance for the student. The way to modulate the rehabilitative approach towards the individual clinical phenotype, in order to maintain the functional status and the quaity of life is also essential  part of the teaching course.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The  rehabilitation therapist is expected to develop skills and knowledge in the understanding of the biology and demography of aging as well as in the main geriatric syndromes, including sarcopenia and frailty. The student is also expected to develop skills,  knowldege and application of the comphrehensive geriatric assessment in order to target interventions  at an individual level,improving quality of life and maintaining the functional status, as the mainstay of the rehabilitative  approach for elders.

Teaching methods

 ex cathedra lessons

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Demography of aging

Biology of aging and age-related alterations of body organs and tissues

The five big  ''I ''( geriatric  syndromes, immobilization, instability, iatrogenesis, cognitive impairment, incontinence)

Comphrehensive geriatric assessment

Delirium

Sarcopenia/osteoporosis

Frailty

Chronic pain

Communication skill for elderly patients

Risks of hospitalization

Health care services and networks for elderly

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

(Italian).Paziente anziano, paziente geriatrico, medicina della complessità. Senin U, Cherubini A, Mecocci P. terza edizione. EDISES

( english) Geriatric rehabilitation manual .  2th edition. Kauffman T . Curchill Lvingston

Teaching methods

 ex cathedra lessons

LESSONS START

march 2017

Exam description

written. Quiz

Assessment methods

certification of attendance and written examination

Exam schedule