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Pathophysiology of Alzheimer Disease

This course provides an overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease. Students will explore the roles of amyloid-β plaques, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal degeneration in disease progression. The course also highlights the relationship between these pathological processes and the clinical manifestations of cognitive decline and dementia, emphasizing current therapeutic targets and emerging treatment strategies.

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No Certificate / Course on Audit Track

About Course

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer Disease (AD) and its impact on cognitive health. Learners will explore the fundamental concepts of Alzheimer disease and different types of dementia, gaining insight into their clinical and biological characteristics. The course further examines the molecular mechanisms underlying AD, including the pathological processes involved in disease progression. Through engaging multimedia content, participants will develop a clear understanding of Alzheimer’s pathogenesis and its relevance to diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.

Authorship and Attribution

This course has been curated by Riphah International University faculty and staff using publicly available third-party content and Open Educational Resources (OER) for self-paced learning. Learners will engage with curated open-access materials to achieve the course learning outcomes. All third-party content is used under open-access or fair-use policies, while any original materials are developed specifically for this learning experience.

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: Medscape
  • Provider: YouTube (@medscape)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: Rhesus Medicine
  • Provider: YouTube (@RhesusMedicine)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: Osmosis from Elsevier
  • Provider: YouTube (@osmosis)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Describe the normal structure and function of neurons and the brain regions affected in Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Explain the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid-β deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation.
  • Discuss the roles of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression.
  • Analyze the contribution of genetic and environmental risk factors to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Differentiate the major pathological features and stages of Alzheimer’s disease progression.
  • Evaluate current and emerging therapeutic targets based on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. Explain the foundational principles of deep learning

Prerequisites

To be successful in this course, students should have prior knowledge of basic structure and functions of the nervous system, and foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology to understand normal brain function and disease-related changes. Anatomy, physiology.

Who Can Take This Course?

This course provides undergraduate and postgraduate students in pharmacy, medicine, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, and related health disciplines with a comprehensive understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. It covers epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology, molecular mechanisms, pharmacological management, and emerging therapies, equipping learners with evidence-based knowledge and clinical insights into neurodegenerative disorders.

Course Outline

Introduction to Alzheimer (AD) and Dementia Types

Overview of Alzheimer Disease (Video)

Understanding Dementia (Video)

Pathophysiology And Medications of AD

Underlying Mechanisms Leading to AD (Video)

Skills You Will Gain

Alzheimer Disease Basics Dementia Classification Molecular Pathogenesis Disease Mechanisms Neurodegeneration Concepts AD Progression Understanding Pathophysiology Analysis Therapeutic Insights

Course Information

Duration

Less than 1 Hour

Course Information

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Learning Mode

Fully Online (Asynchronous)

Learning Type

Self Paced

Language

English Only

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Instructor/Curator

Course Instructor