Describes components of the immune system and principles of normal immune function. Reviews the clinical features of common autoimmune, allergic and inflammatory conditions. Explains potential immune factors that may contribute to depression and other psychiatric disorders. Describes the link between poor oral health and immune dysfunction. Lists the dietary, pharmacologic, and lifestyle changes that may help balance immune function. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.

Describes the role of genetics vs. lifestyle in the aging process. Explains how key hallmarks of aging can be influenced by eating healthy foods in a healthy manner. Outlines the research supporting the benefits of caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and time-restricted eating. Describes the optimal amounts, types, and distribution of protein intake to maintain muscle health and functional independence. Outlines the most common nutritional deficiencies in older patients and the role of obesity in accelerating the aging process. Discusses the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and gastro-intestinal health in older patients. Describes how this course would help professionals in dietetic, nursing, mental health, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to improve patient care outcomes.

Identifies the human microbiota, including beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and beneficial fiber (prebiotics). Describes the effects of human microbiota with regard to the digestive, immune and mental health conditions. Lists the pro- and anti-inflammatory influences, including those of essential lipids and amino acids. Identifies interventions to address chronic inflammation, pathological appetite, and mental health manifestations of microbiome imbalance. Identifies mental health consequences of gastrointestinal pathobionts as related to various mental disorders. Discusses the role of the immune system with regard to cariogenic bacteria and regeneration of dentin. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describe, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.