1. Introduction to Biopsychology [PSB 4002] Professor Robert Lickliter DM 260 / 305-348-3441 licklite@fiu.edu website: dpblab.fiu.edu

2. Midterm # 4 Tuesday Dec. 04 / 12 noon chapters 21, 22, and 2 lecture through Thursday, Nov. 29 sample study questions and slides available by Tuesday, Nov. 27 at course website / dpblab.fiu.edu

3. Effects of Aging

5. Alzheimer's Disease Onset – Early onset symptoms of Alzheimer’s appear before the patient turns 60. Less common than later onset. Some evidence that genetic factors are at play. – Late onset Alzheimer’s is the most common form of the disease. Some inherited traits that run in families, but the genetic factor is less clear than early onset.

6. Alzheimer’s Disease Early Symptoms – Memory impairment – Decreased language function – Change in emotional behavior/personality – Altered perception – Decreased problem-solving ability/cognitive skill

7. Alzheimer’s Disease

8. Alzheimer's Disease Post mortem examination of brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patents is the only way to diagnose the disease with absolute confidence. – Neurofibrillary tangles (fibers of protein that have twisted and clogged the cell – Neuritic plaques (abnormal clusters of dead and dying nerve cells, proteins, and neural tissue) – Senile plaques (dying nerve cells around areas that have accumulated protein build-up.

10. Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment – There is no cure for Alzheimer’s at this time. Medicines (Dnepezil, Memantine) can help slow the progression of the disease, but not stop it. – Management of the disorder can include Change in the home environment Alterations of daily activities to promote healthy sleep and less confusion Support from family members

11. Depression A spectrum disorder, it can range from mild to severe and chronic with differential prognosis, treatment, and outcomes – Some evidence for heredity, but no single genetic link has yet been found.

12. Everyone at some point has felt sad, blue, miserable, unhappy, or “down in the dumps”. True clinical depression affects the mood for long periods of time, with intense feelings of: – Anger – Loss – Frustration – Sudden loss of interest in everyday activities that you used to love

13. Depression Onset of depression is a process of equifinality – Alcohol or drug abuse – Certain medical conditions – Steroid use – Sleep problems – STRESS! Depressive Symptoms

14. Depression

15. Symptoms of major depression include – Fatigue and lack of energy – Becoming withdrawn or isolated – Difficulty concentrating – Lack of interest in pleasurable activities – Thoughts of death or suicide – Altered sleep patterns – Feeling of hopelessness

16. Depression Treatment options – “Talk therapy” is popular. Patients try to discover the root cause of their depression and confront the issue – Antidepressant medications are typically Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Fluoxetine Sertraline Paroxetine