Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Emma has over 35 years of experience in clinical trials, and in this blog she offers a candid look into the role of a 'rater' within clinical trials. She highlights the necessity for consistency in rating cognitive abilities across global trials and illustrates the challenges faced by raters, including stringent vendor as...

Bernie McInally  narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Bernie McInally, a retired mental health nurse, shares his journey of finding purpose and fulfilment in dementia research. Initially reluctant, Bernie’s involvement with the Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network (SDCRN) transformed his retirement, merging clinical expertise with newfound research skills. His story highlights...

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Clíona shares her personal journey of writing a PhD thesis, offering invaluable tips and strategies to make the process more manageable and enjoyable. She emphasises the importance of meticulous planning, from setting clear timelines and choosing examiners to structuring the thesis and selecting conducive writing en...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her blog, Emily talks about the challenges she faces transitioning back to work after maternity leave. Candidly discussing the difficulties of finding suitable accommodation in London's demanding rental market and the reality of securing childcare while managing a limited budget. Despite these challenges, Emily remai...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her blog, Yvonne explores the dynamics of supervising PhD students, comparing different supervision styles to parenting methods. She describes a spectrum ranging from 'Drone' supervision, where advisors micromanage every detail, to 'Free-range' supervision, which allows students considerable independence. Yvonne ad...

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Kamar's blog explores the critical issue of the lack of diversity in academia, particularly within STEM fields, and the role of role models in addressing these disparities. Highlighting the specific challenges faced by women and racial/ethnic minorities, she discusses the importance of role models who reflect diverse demographic...

Dr Sam Moxon , narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Sam discusses the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing dementia research. He highlights AI's capability to rapidly analyse vast datasets, which is crucial given the pressing time constraints in dementia research, where every three seconds someone develops dementia. The blog details how machine learning algorithm...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. Jodi discusses the environmental impact of academic practices, particularly focusing on the carbon footprint associated with conference travel and the publishing industry's dual role in environmental science and unsustainable practices. Jodi reflects on personal experiences and dilemmas as an early career researcher...

Anika Wuestefeld narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Anika's blog is a vital resource for early-career dementia researchers navigating the complexities of grant writing. It offers practical advice, from selecting the right grants to apply for, to crafting a compelling application that meets formatting and content expectations. It also highlights useful resources like the ISTAART Gui...

Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Sara shares her thoughts on last months AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference. This hybrid event, designed to bridge local and global scientific communities, has successfully showcased emerging talent in Alzheimer’s and dementia research over the past four years. Focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, the conference offers f...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Emily is writing about her experience of navigating the complexities of starting a family while forging an academic career. In this blog Emily reflects on her personal experiences and the unexpected openness about family planning that followed her announcement of having a baby. She explores the broader challenges faced...

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Connor reflects on the latest advancements in dementia research, focusing on cognitive reserve and resilience. Connor revisits seminal papers and discussions from a recent webinar moderated by Harriet Demnitz-King of University College London, highlighting the complexities of defining and measuring cognitive reserve. The discu...

Dr Marianne Coleman narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Explore the latest global insights on Alzheimer's research with Marianne's blog reflecting on the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) Conference. Read or listen to learn more about her work, the conference experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the progress being made in the field and how these developm...

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Ajantha's blog offers a professional and thought-provoking exploration of the integration of artificial intelligence in dementia research and diagnosis. He discusses both the opportunities and risks presented by AI technologies, from their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed to the ethical concerns about bias and data p...

Dr Dylan Williams , narrates his blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this article Dr Dylan Williams shares his research on the significant role of genetic variation, particularly concerning Apolipoprotein E (apoE), in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Dylan explains that specific isoforms of apoE, identified through genetic research, contribute differentially to the risk of...

Yasmin Bonsu , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Meet our newest monthly blogger... Yasmin Bonsu, a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Manchester, shares her journey as an undergraduate engaged in research during her placement year at the University of Oxford. Under the mentorship of Dr. Becky Carlyle and her colleague Amelia, Yasmin has navigated the...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Rebecca's blog explores how collaboration across scientific disciplines can lead to major breakthroughs in understanding diseases. Her article illuminates the importance of team effort in research, as it can unlock the historical roots of genetic conditions and point towards future therapeutic strategies. By embracing...

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Drawing on a study published in Current Sociology , Gaia explores how societal gender roles have seeped into academia, leading to women disproportionately shouldering 'academic housework'—non-meritorious tasks like mentoring students and organizing conferences. The study, involving 163 interviews with social science professors in De...

Dr Beth Eyre  narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Beth reflects on her enriching journey from a PhD student to a postdoctoral researcher, in this heartfelt farewell blog. Beth shares insights from her experiences, the challenges of experimental failures, and the lessons learned in resilience and self-belief. As she prepares for a new role in Boston, USA, specialising in brain cleara...

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Kamar helps us discover how Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) can revolutionise laboratory research, leading to breakthroughs that resonate more deeply with the needs of society. Engage in this critical dialogue to elevate the quality and impact of scientific discovery. #PPI #ResearchWithImpact Find the original text, and nar...

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Adam talks about the critical role of listening in effective principal investigator (PI) leadership.  Adam emphasises the necessity for PIs to develop deep listening skills to successfully guide and support their research teams, particularly early career researchers. He argues against the common yet counterproductive reassu...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Yvonne offers an unvarnished insight into the life of a Principal Investigator (PI). With a candid perspective drawn from her experience as an ARUK Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, Yvonne sheds light on the multifaceted role that goes far beyond research alone. From the relentless need for grant writing to...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Emily shares an honest and reflective exploration of balancing new motherhood with academic ambitions. With a sharp wit and refreshing candour, Emily talks about the societal expectations of maternity leave, her personal trials in navigating baby classes, and her triumphant yet tumultuous journey through continuing acad...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. Discover the powerful role of art in enhancing communication around dementia and brain health with Dr Jodi Watt, a passionate advocate for integrating creativity into research and outreach. In their enlightening blog, they reflect on their journey from aspiring artist to a postdoctoral researcher specialising in dem...

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Hannah provides an essential guide to crafting your PhD thesis! Gain practical advice on navigating the journey with structured strategies, insightful feedback, and engaging storytelling. Your roadmap to success starts here! Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.a...