Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 480 D100

Advanced Topics in Biological Psychology (4)

Cognitive Aging & Dementia

Class Number: 3254

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Allen Thornton
    aethornt@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 6316
    Office Hours: TBD

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 280, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Title:  Cognitive Aging & Dementia

This course is co-listed with a Graduate level course (Psych 907D). Undergraduate students with interest in this course and the appropriate background should contact the instructor. Adequate preparation requires knowledge of central nervous system anatomy and physiology. Advanced undergraduate courses in neuroscience and/or neuropsychology are highly recommended.

Topics:  This course will provide an in-depth examination of how mental processes change as a function of normal aging and age-related dementias. A primary focus will be on changes in the central nervous system and related cognitive changes in Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy-Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementias and other age-related disorders. Topics will include aging and the central nervous system, normal vs. neuropathological brain aging, basic mechanisms of cognitive change, differential diagnoses, and functional impairment.

Grading

REQUIREMENTS:

Lectures:  The class will follow a seminar format. Students will be expected to actively participate in class discussions. This may involve contemplating thought provoking questions, leading discussions on a topic, and bringing in additional material to augment discussion.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings are assigned from the assigned text and articles according to the Course Schedule and Reading List.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.