Dementia Researcher Blogs

Beth Eyre  narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. To make your PhD application stand out, Beth advises crafting a detailed academic CV that highlights specific interests and experiences relevant to the PhD, and supplementing it with a personal statement that conveys genuine enthusiasm for the subject. She emphasises the importance of demonstrating this interest through actions like att...

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Clarissa remembers Tony Husband, Private Eye cartoonist and dementia awareness advocate. Tony used his personal experience and artistic prowess to create touching cartoons about his father's dementia, educating and resonating with many. His work lives on in his books and the hearts of the dementia community. Clariss...

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Adam underscores the vital but often overlooked roles that Research Nurses, Clinical Trial Practitioners, and other Leaders and coordinators play in clinical trials. Drawing from his years at UCL and the NIHR, Adam points out that the shortage of these key professionals is could hinder the progress in dementia teatments. As...

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Discover the complexities and implications of the work-from-home trend in the academic research landscape through Connor's insightful blog. As someone deeply embedded in data science (which lends itself to home working), Connor weighs the pros and cons of remote work, particularly its impact on university research culture. The...

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In Kamar's latest blog post, the recent advances in Alzheimer's treatments are put under the microscope. While some herald these new drugs as breakthroughs, the blog questions the extent of their effectiveness and safety. Drawing on data and firsthand experience, it explores whether these treatments truly offer hope or merely fu...

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Gaia's blog, serves as a comprehensive guide to Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), a cornerstone technique in immunology. With an inviting blend of technical detail and accessible language, the blog demystifies the differences between FACS and flow cytometry, elaborating on their shared principle of using fluorescence to is...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In Yvonne's latest piece, she offers insights into the art of presenting scientific findings to a non-scientific audience. Highlighting the importance of simplifying complex terms, prioritising engaging visuals, and continuously relating findings back to real-life relevance, Yvonne reminds us of the fundamental basics...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. Navigating the complexities of academia? Jodi's blog post offers practical advice on self-advocacy, inspired by their own journey. From learning how to say "no" to understanding work-life balance, Jodi sheds light on key strategies to help you manage your academic career effectively. A must-read for anyone in the ac...

Beth Eyre  narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Navigating the labyrinthine world of doctoral research? Beth is our go-to source for demystifying the process. Whether you're set on a specific research question or just know the academic field you want to explore, Beth's comprehensive guide lays out practical steps to find the PhD programme that's right for you. From the utility of web...

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Discover the art of effective time management with insights from Ajantha Abey, a PhD student at Oxford University. In this compelling blog, Ajantha reveals how the simple yet transformative technique of Time Tracking can revolutionise both your academic and personal life. Whether you're wrestling with a demanding research schedule or...

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Clarissa challenges conventional notions of what 'impact' in research truly means. She argues that while policy changes and national guidelines are significant, the subtle, everyday impact that researchers can have shouldn't be underestimated. By involving individuals who are personally and professionally connected...

Dr Anna Volkmer , narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Anna explores the complexities of recruiting participants for intervention trials. She stresses that an inadequately powered study risks irrelevance, highlighting the dilemma of determining the ideal sample size in both main and pilot studies. While conventional wisdom suggests benchmarks for participant numbers, these metrics ar...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Embarking on a PhD journey can be an overwhelming experience, filled with complex discussions and a feeling of inadequacy among seasoned academics. In this blog Rebecca provides a heartfelt account of grappling with the pressures and expectations of academic life as a newcomer. From her early struggles of feeling ill-...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Looking to navigate the complex landscape of post-doctoral funding? Yvonne's incisive blog is your go-to guide for everything from when to start searching for funds to how to strategise for long-term research goals. With a wealth of experience, she demystifies small grants, junior fellowships, and institutional resour...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog Jodi Dr Jodi Watt explores their journey to overcome academic insecurities. Often speaking quickly during presentations due to nerves, they find an unconventional confidence booster: life modelling. They suggest that the key to academic confidence may lie outside the academic realm, challenging the trad...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Yvonne explores the underestimated influence of luck in academia. Drawing from personal experiences and some seldom mentioned literature, she contends that factors beyond our control often play a pivotal role in shaping academic trajectories. Through anecdotes and empirical evidence, Yvonne reassures us that even when...

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Ajantha discusses a renewed sense of optimism in Alzheimer's research, marked by the FDA approval of three new drugs in the last three years. These drugs represent a paradigm shift as they aim to modify the disease itself rather than just alleviate symptoms. Alongside these therapeutic advances, the field is benefiting f...

Dr Sam Moxon , narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In his blog, Sam explores the common pitfalls of imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect in the academic and research fields. He shares his personal experience, transitioning from a successful PhD to a slower-paced postdoctoral project, highlighting the dangers of comparing oneself to others in similar career stages. His key...

Beth Eyre  narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Beth provides an essential guide for anyone considering embarking on a doctoral journey. As she approaches the culmination of her own PhD, Beth breaks down the often perplexing aspects of a PhD, from its basic definition to the stages involved and even how to secure funding. Offering a detailed account of what to expect in each year of...

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Gaia shares what she has learned to help manage the complexities of academic authorship, highlighting its importance for both early career researchers and principal investigators. She outlines the roles of first, last, and co-authors, and advises on handling the often grey areas in contribution recognition. Emphasising...

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Connor is back with part two of his blogs discussing population research. In this post Connor highlights key findings from the UK-based Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS). He reports a surprising decrease in dementia prevalence among individuals aged 65 and above, especially attributing the decline to better cardiova...

Dr Vitor Zimmerer , narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Vitor reflects on how parenthood affects his career in UK academia. He shares his deep love for his two sons while acknowledging the challenges of balancing parenthood with the demanding nature of academic research. Vitor discusses the pressure to maximise work hours and adapt to structured time management. He also...

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Explore a realm of scientific innovation and the challenges it faces. In this blog Kamar delves into scientists' resistance to new methods in dementia research, dissecting funding biases and cultural inertia that hinder progress. Discover the push for an open-minded approach to revolutionise scientific exploration and advance de...

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Immerse yourself in the world of canine companions and their essential role in decoding the enigmas of dementia through the enlightening blog. In this blog Ajantha sheds light on the compelling connections between dogs and humans in the realm of dementia research. Learn how dogs, naturally encountering a dementia-like condition, provi...

Welcome to the Dementia Research Blogs Podcast – the feed that helps you keep on top of our blogs when you’re on the move, or would just rather listen than read. Read the blogs and meet the writers on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk and don't forget to subscribe to our main Dementia Researcher Podcast at https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher.