2024
Biology and Physiology of Aging
Name: Biology and Physiology of Aging
Code: CMS14327L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry, Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Presentation
Study of generic concepts of molecular, cellular and control processes associated with aging, as well as the main physiological and pharmacological changes present in the elderly.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
It is intended to analyze the biology and physiology of aging, starting from changes at the molecular and cellular level to organs and systems, in order to establish the relationship between these changes with the so-called aging diseases. At the end of the course unit the learner is expected to be able to:
1. Report the explanatory biological models of the aging process/describe the theories of aging;
2. Identify and describe the main structural and functional changes associated with aging, particularly at the level of the nervous system as a paradigm of aging;
3. Describe the possible implications arising from biological changes, in terms of quality of life in old age;
4. Identify the instruments for the functional assessment of the elderly;
5. Point out protective strategies and potential anti-aging therapies in order to enable healthy aging.
1. Report the explanatory biological models of the aging process/describe the theories of aging;
2. Identify and describe the main structural and functional changes associated with aging, particularly at the level of the nervous system as a paradigm of aging;
3. Describe the possible implications arising from biological changes, in terms of quality of life in old age;
4. Identify the instruments for the functional assessment of the elderly;
5. Point out protective strategies and potential anti-aging therapies in order to enable healthy aging.
Contents
1. Introduction to the Biology of Aging. Physiological changes in the elderly. General Theories of Aging
2. Homeostasis of organelles and aging
3. Protein homeostasis, quality control and aging
4. Oxidative stress in aging. Modifications of mitochondrial function with aging. Role of free radicals
5. The GH/IGF-1 axis in aging
6. Aging and Nervous System. Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease
7. Aging and recognition of frequent health problems in the elderly
8. Aging and metabolic disorders
9. The genetics of aging and longevity
10. Gerontotoxicology: the effects of chemicals on aging processes and the effects of aging on the body's ability to respond to environmental chemicals
11. Stochastic events in cell aging
12. Anti-aging medicine. Healthy and active aging.
13. Frailty as a factor of vulnerability to disease in the elderly
2. Homeostasis of organelles and aging
3. Protein homeostasis, quality control and aging
4. Oxidative stress in aging. Modifications of mitochondrial function with aging. Role of free radicals
5. The GH/IGF-1 axis in aging
6. Aging and Nervous System. Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease
7. Aging and recognition of frequent health problems in the elderly
8. Aging and metabolic disorders
9. The genetics of aging and longevity
10. Gerontotoxicology: the effects of chemicals on aging processes and the effects of aging on the body's ability to respond to environmental chemicals
11. Stochastic events in cell aging
12. Anti-aging medicine. Healthy and active aging.
13. Frailty as a factor of vulnerability to disease in the elderly
Teaching Methods
Classes will be theoretical and theoretical-practical e PL with debate, in which the basic concepts to be taught will be transmitted with audiovisual support. Problems and information will be interpreted taking into account the knowledge learned in and tutorial guidance will be provided for the presentation of group work.
On the other hand, collaborative work will be promoted, in a small group, on the characterization of frequent health problems in the elderly, identifying and substantiating risk factors, and from which evaluation elements should result: a written document and its oral discussion.
-Assessment by exam: 60%
-Practical group work, resulting in written elements and respective oral discussion: 40.0%
On the other hand, collaborative work will be promoted, in a small group, on the characterization of frequent health problems in the elderly, identifying and substantiating risk factors, and from which evaluation elements should result: a written document and its oral discussion.
-Assessment by exam: 60%
-Practical group work, resulting in written elements and respective oral discussion: 40.0%
