Nutrition and Age-Related Chronic Diseases (FutureLearn)

Nutrition and Age-Related Chronic Diseases (FutureLearn)

Explore the link between nutrition and age-related diseases as you gain the skills to use nutrition to prevent chronic conditions. Learn nutritional management of age-related health conditions. In an ageing population, the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases is increasing year by year. This four-week course will show you how to prevent and manage these chronic diseases using nutritional management. You’ll learn the nutritional needs of different age groups before unpacking the variety of chronic diseases you are trying to prevent. With this knowledge, you’ll understand how to provide better care for elderly adults with chronic conditions.

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Gain an understanding of sarcopenia, neurodegenerative disease, and metabolic syndrome
First, you’ll explore sarcopenia – a common condition in older adults characterised by the loss of muscle mass and strength. You’ll discover the role of nutrition and dietary guidelines in preventing and managing this disease.
Next, you’ll examine the relationship between neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, and dietary patterns. You’ll discuss the impact of nutrition on the development and progression of these conditions and the dietary strategies that can be used to prevent them.

Explore the impact of nutrition on immunosenescence
You’ll then focus on metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis to learn what is adequate nutrient intake for bone health and metabolic function.
Finally, you’ll explore the impact of nutrition on immunosenescence – the decline in immune function that occurs with age. You’ll learn the strategies to promote immune health as well as the role of specific nutrients and supplements in supporting immune function.

Develop your understanding of nutritional science with Taipei Medical University
You’ll be guided by the experts from Taipei Medical University to ensure you finish the course ready to implement dietary strategies and interventions to promote optimal health and well-being in older adults.

Syllabus

Week 1: Nutritional Management of Sarcopenia
Week 2: Neurodegeneration, Metabolic Syndrome and Dietary Patterns
Week 3: Nutritional Management for Elderly
Week 4: Immunosenescence and Nutrition

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Evaluate the dietary patterns and habits that may increase the health risk of metabolic syndrom, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension.
  • Explore the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of sarcopenia, including the essential nutrients for muscle health.
  • Identify Mediterranean dietary pattern.
  • Evaluate the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.
  • Exaplain the role of nutrition in modulating immunosenescence, including the effects of various nutrients on the immune system and the mechanisms of action.

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in the relationship between nutrition and chronic diseases.
It will benefit students who are interested in nutritional science and geriatrics.

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