Cognition across the Lifespan

Catalog description

An understanding of normal cognitive processes is required in the field of speech-language pathology in order to facilitate diagnostic and clinical decision making for clients across the lifespan. Within this course the range of healthy normative cognitive function and related developmental and neurologic correlates will be discussed with specific focus on attention, memory, and executive function. Best current theoretical and neurocognitive research will be used to help student recognize the needs and abilities of individuals and families to whom they provide clinical services. As the population across the globe is aging, the course will also focus on what is considered normal cognitive function for older adults and discuss stereotypes, prejudice, and discriminations to others or oneself based on age and how this may influence assessment and treatment approaches. Finally, prevention of central nervous system dysfunction related to cognition will be discussed. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Speech pathology or permission of the instructor.