Overview

This webinar will provide psychologists with an opportunity to focus on current neuroscience research to build on their knowledge of cognitive development and the factors influencing the neurodegenerative progression of childhood and later life dementias.

The webinar will cover:

• the physical basis of cognition (cortex and associated structures)
• postnatal development of the cortex, including critical periods and the ongoing embodiment of long-term memory/experience in the structure of the brain
• the critical importance of sleep in the process of structural consolidation
• how various diseases of childhood and later-life dementia break down the structure of the cortex, and thus break down cognitive abilities
• the basis and progression of genetically linked childhood dementias, including current research
• the basis and progression of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia (i.e. around 95% of later life dementia)
• genetic and preventable risk for later-life dementia, emphasising factors early and mid-life

There will be opportunity for Questions and Answers during the live session.

You will be invited to reflect upon your key-takeaway learning about understanding brain development and factors related to dementia.

Find out more about Wicking Dementia Centre of the University of Tasmania: Massive Open Online Courses go to: https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/about

To study or learn more about other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons Disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, Motor Neurone Disease through free online courses offered by the University of Tasmania: Massive Open Online Learning Courses go to: https://mooc.utas.edu.au/

This event is free for all APS Members and Student members. It is suitable for all APS and non-APS members, psychology students/graduates and other health practitioners. It has an educational and developmental focus and promotes a shared understanding for all areas of practice about changes to the brain and cognitive processes across the lifespan.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• describe the postnatal development of the cerebral cortex in general terms
• describe the roles of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the acquisition and consolidation of memory, and the critical function of sleep in consolidation
• describe some genetic causes of childhood dementia and the developmental patterns associated with these diseases
• describe the effect of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia on the structure and cells of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and subsequent effects on cognition
• identify modifiable risk factors for developing dementia in later life, with an emphasis on childhood and adolescent periods.

Presenter(s)

Dr. Matthew Kirkcaldie

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Matt Kirkcaldie is a neuroscientist and senior lecturer at the Wicking Dementia Centre of the University of Tasmania, whose primary interest is the relationship between the physical brain and the mind. As part of the Wicking Dementia Centre team, Matt is involved with providing educational programs to build knowledge and understanding of dementia within the community, including the Centre’s Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC) on neurodegenerative diseases. His research focuses on the structure of the cerebral cortex, particularly the relationship between the brains of humans and other nonhuman mammals, and laboratory models of dementia. He is an author of several reference works including rodent brain atlases and an introductory text on the nervous system, used for the Australasian Brain Bee Challenge, for which he is a national coordinator. He has 25 years of lecturing experience in medical sciences, medicine, psychology and dementia studies tertiary courses.

Notes

Target Audience

This event is aimed at all psychologists working with children to older adults.

Please note:

• This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the Zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
• A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, event-recording, and any additional resources shared during the session.

Duration of Access

This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.