Unit ADE-AGING PHYSIOLOGY AND GERONTOLOGY
- Course
- Veterinary medicine
- Study-unit Code
- A003510
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Silvana Diverio
- Teachers
-
- Silvana Diverio
- Hours
- 25 ore - Silvana Diverio
- CFU
- 1
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2021
- Offered
- 2025/26
- Learning activities
- A scelta dello studente
- Area
- A scelta dello studente
- Sector
- VET/02
- Type of study-unit
- Opzionale (Optional)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Italian
- Contents
- 1. Demographics, biology and physiology of ageing. Gerontology, elderly patient and geriatric patient. Molecular theories and biomarkers of physiological ageing. 2. Epigenetics: environment and physiological ageing. Epigenetics and endocrinosenescence. 3. Evaluation of the elderly patient's behavioral and cognitive status of the elderly patient. Senile dementia syndrome. Emotional and social comfort of the elderly patient. 4. Chronic pain and palliative care. Assessment of quality of life. Health prevention and management of the elderly patient. Ethical dilemmas in geriatric medicine. 5. Multidimensional evaluation approaches. Teamwork and the care network. Evaluation and discussion of clinical cases.
- Reference texts
- Articles and material provided by Prof Diverio. Slides of the lessons.
- Educational objectives
- D1 – KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The student must acquire knowledge of the biological, physiological, and behavioral bases of aging, including molecular theories, clinical implications in elderly and geriatric animals, environmental factors and epigenetic modifications that influence aging, sensory, cognitive, and behavioral changes, as well as principles of elderly patient management. D2 – ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The student must be able to recognize the clinical and behavioral signs of physiological and pathological aging, assess cognitive status and quality of life, apply prevention protocols and wellness strategies, manage pain and stress, and integrate multidisciplinary knowledge to develop care plans. D3 – JUDGMENT MAKING The student must develop the ability to critically evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic options for elderly patients, making informed decisions to ensure the patient's greatest comfort and emotional well-being. D4 – COMMUNICATION SKILLS The student must be able to present and discuss clinical cases clearly and scientifically, communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary context, and interact with owners on sensitive issues such as recognizing pain and recognizing cognitive decline in their pets. D5 – LEARNING SKILLS The student must demonstrate the ability to consult and interpret scientific literature in the geriatric-veterinary field, acquire tools for ongoing professional development, and develop the skills to independently address the clinical issues of elderly patients.
- Teaching methods
- Theoretical-practical lessons in the classroom Teamwork and brainstorming Insights reports Evaluation and discussion of clinical cases
- Learning verification modality
- Final report
- Extended program
- 1. Demographics of aging and clinical implications. Gerontology, biology, and physiology of aging. Elderly patients and geriatric patients. The "frail" elderly. Molecular theories of physiological aging. Biomarkers of physiological aging. 2. Regulation of the living environment on aging (nutrition, physical activity, stress). Physiological brain aging. 3. Sensory and behavioral changes in elderly patients. Stress and resilience. Assessment of cognitive and behavioral status. Senile dementia syndrome in dogs and cats. Emotional and social comfort in elderly patients: enrichment programs. 4. Chronic pain and palliative care. Assessment of quality of life. Health prevention and management of elderly patients. Ethical dilemmas in geriatric medicine. 5. Multidimensional assessment approaches. Evaluation and discussion of clinical cases.
- Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile