Describes the structure and function of neurons, glia, neurotransmitters, and brain regions. Explains how the brain produces and is a ected by anxiety, trauma disorders, and depression. Describes how stress is the foundation for anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), trauma, and many depressions. Describes the new criteria for the diagnosis of PTSD, trauma disorders, and anxiety disorders. Outlines the symptoms and treatment of the major anxiety disorders, including dental anxiety. Lists the difference in symptoms and treatment of trauma disorders, including PTSD. Explains the nature and course of depression as a co-factor in PTSD, trauma, and anxiety disorders. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.

Explains the concept of the gut-brain axis, and its implications for health and disease. Describes how microbes and their metabolites communicate with the body and the brain. Explains how the microbiome-gut-brain axis influences the development of neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Describes how microbial metabolites regulate immune and metabolic pathways in the body, and how this may impact risk of allergies, autoimmune diseases, obesity and diabetes. Explains how the ecology of the oral microbiome impacts both gut and systemic health; discusses implications for modern-day oral healthcare. Lists potential microbial and gut health disruptors, as well as therapeutic strategies to improve gut and brain health (to become “ecosystem engineers”). Describes ways in which the highly complex gut-brain scientific research has been oversold and misinterpreted by the lay press. Identifies red flags of “pseudoscience” to become a healthy skeptic. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes.

Describes the differences between normal and abnormal brain aging. Lists measures to preserve brain function and reduce the risk for cognitive decline. Defines dementia and describe common dementia syndromes. Describes the major characteristics of and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Lists medications and common clinical conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes for this course, the implications for nursing, dentistry, mental health, and other health care professions.