The brain is a complex and mysterious organ. When everything goes right, it is a finely tuned machine that serves as our body’s central processing unit. But like computers on the fritz, things occasionally go haywire in the brain, and the effects can be absolutely crushing. What happens when things go wrong?

Now you can delve into the mysteries of what can go awry inside our central processing unit. Taught by esteemed Professor Sandy Neargarder, the 24 eye-opening lessons in Understanding Disorders of the Brain survey some of the most common, and not-so-common, disorders that disrupt the many ways our brains function.

Professor Neargarder explores what we know about diseases ranging from autism, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s to traumas such as head injuries and strokes. For each disorder, she walks through the genetic and environmental factors that underlie the pathology, shares insight about the signs and symptoms to look out for, and looks at the latest research on treatment and cures.

Science has come a long way in solving the mysteries of the human brain, but we still have a long way to go. Building a better understanding of these disorders can help all of us minimize our risk factors, recognize symptoms, and ensure the best course of action for ourselves and those we love. This course offers a powerful introduction to the journey of brain science in the 21st century and an excellent addition to your lifelong learning library.