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Dementia involves progressive loss of cognitive functions, associated with unique patterns of neurodegeneration in the brain. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is associated with memory loss and temporal lobe atrophy, whereas frontotemporal dementia is characterized by behavioral changes associated with frontal lobe atrophy. This course will discuss the different etiologies of dementia, the biological changes associated with different subtypes, risk factors (behavioral, genetic, etc.), neuropsychological and imaging-based methods for diagnosis, current treatment options, and the emotional, social, and economic costs of dementia on patients and caregivers. We will delve into primary scientific literature covering current theories and findings, and will explore cultural depictions to better understand dementia from multiple viewpoints. This course has substantial neurobiology content and students are required to have completed Fundamentals of Neurobiology (Neuro 205) to enroll.