Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog we join Kam as she navigates the turbulent waters of academia in the face of redundancy. In her latest blog she shares a candid reflection on the illusion of job security and the harsh realities of financial pressures that loom large over Universities in the UK. Despite achieving early career milestones, she confron...

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Explore the lesser-known yet vital aspect of Alzheimer's disease in our latest blog from Clíona. This post gets into the complex world of amyloid-β deposition within the brain's blood vessels. Clíona is embarking on a new postdoc project focused on this area, and in this article she shares insights into how Cerebral...

Yasmin Bonsu , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her latest guest blog on Dementia Researcher, Yasmin unveils her essential toolkit for securing internships and navigating the overwhelming application season. With a personal and pragmatic approach, Yasmin highlights invaluable resources such as the 10,000 Black Interns Foundation, which offers unique opportunities a...

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her first blog for Dementia Researcher, new regular contributor Becky provides, "Opening Notes," sharing her compelling journey from Oxford to building her own research lab. As a new addition joiner to our blogging team, Becky will share insights on leadership, the challenges and decisions involved in establishing...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Today Rebecca narrates the transformative journey of a PhD student during the festive season. Drawing parallels to Charles Dickens's classic, the blog captures the student's initial despair and subsequent awakening to the profound value and impact of her research. This heartwarming tale is a must-read for anyone endur...

Amelia Robson , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Amelia shares her unique experiences as a travelling researcher, highlighting the unexpected joys and challenges of working on the road. From breathtaking sunrises and scenic countryside drives to connecting with remarkable dementia patients and their stories, she reveals how travel enhances her work. With tips on stayi...

Dr Sam Moxon , narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Sam examines the hidden challenges faced by people living with dementia during the cold, isolating months of winter. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, the blog explores the increased risks, from slips and falls to disrupted sleep and social isolation. But more importantly, it emphasises the power of...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her latest blog, Emily reflects on the challenges of juggling academia and parenting, exploring how perfectionism can hinder progress and confidence in both spheres. Sharing personal experiences and candid insights, she discusses how resilience and perspective have become essential tools in navigating the ups and dow...

Lorna Smith , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Lorna shares her first-hand experience of involving people with dementia and carers in co-analysis through the D-PACT study. This blog explores the challenges and successes of working with a Peer Research Group, from tackling ethical considerations and anonymising data to fostering inclusive decision-making. Lorna provide...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Rebecca reflects on the importance of representation and authenticity in academia, sharing how being open about her journey and background has helped make the field more accessible. She emphasises the value of showing future scientists that challenges and doubts are a normal part of the process and encourages academic...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Yvonne reflects on the difficulties of dealing with absent supervisors, outlining the reasons they may be unavailable and the challenges this creates for researchers. She discusses strategies to manage different types of supervisors, including balancing independence with seeking guidance and the importance of self-awa...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog Jodi examines financial exploitation and scam susceptibility in dementia. The blog discusses the risks faced by people living with dementia, how these have evolved in the digital age, and the impact on their well-being. It also offers an overview of warning signs, preventative measures, and resources th...

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Adam shares practical advice on applying project management principles to PhD research. He explains how tools like risk registers, timelines, and structured planning can help students navigate the complexities of research. By adopting some of these approaches, PhD students may find it easier to organise their work, anticip...

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Clíona discusses her decision to transition from PhD student to postdoc in the same lab, weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks. She reflects on the comfort of familiar surroundings and established relationships, which helped her dive straight into new projects and finalise her PhD work. Yet, this continuity...

Victoria Gabb , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Victoria’s latest blog provides an update on her team’s progress in developing a core outcome set for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) research. Building on their initial overview, this post discusses the methods used to ensure that the set includes the outcomes that matter most to patients, caregivers, clinicians, and r...

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In Connor's blog, he highlights the benefits of maintaining a research journal as a practical tool for tracking progress, managing emotions, and fostering personal growth. Far from being just a record of daily tasks, the journal serves as a "done list" that celebrates small achievements, providing motivation during long resear...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her latest blog, Yvonne reflects on the pervasive impact of imposter syndrome in academia, particularly as a Principal Investigator (PI). She candidly shares her feelings of inadequacy, attributing her successes to luck and timing rather than skill, while confronting the competitive, often isolating nature of acade...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. For the past year Emily has been sharing her journey through pregnancy, maternity leave, and now the return to work! This month Emily shares the challenges and small victories she’s experienced since returning from maternity leave. With the academic year underway, Emily reflects on balancing her research with motherhood...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Rebecca, explores the often-intimidating realm of computational modelling in neuroscience. She compares this complex field to a haunted house, where assumptions lurk in shadows, algorithms whisper in the background, and progress requires courage and persistence. Rebecca shares her journey from initially feeling lost i...

Bernie McInally  narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In his guest blog, Bernie McInally, explores the often-overlooked needs of LGBTQ+ residents in care homes. Reflecting on his initial scepticism of the potential recruitment of LGBTQ+ community into studies, Bernie examines the unique challenges this group faces, including potential social isolation, distrust of care staff, and an...

Yasmin Bonsu , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Yasmin explores the pitfalls of self-comparison that many students face as they approach graduation. She discusses how comparing herself to others on platforms like LinkedIn can sometimes be motivating, pushing her to aim higher academically. However, she also recognises the downside, where constant comparisons can lead...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. Jodi explores the importance of designing dementia-friendly spaces to enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia. Drawing on personal experiences and research, they highlight practical ways to create environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive to maintaining independence. Key suggestions in...

Amelia Robson , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Amelia reflects on her experiences working with people living with dementia during her home sleep studies. She discusses how TV adverts, especially those focused on dementia, can unexpectedly evoke powerful emotions during her visits, creating poignant and sometimes uncomfortable moments for both her and t...

Ella Moonan-Howard, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. The Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new support package called "Launchpad," designed to help innovators turn dementia research into impactful products. Led by Senior Innovator Ella Moonan-Howard, this programme offers tailored business coaching, expert networks, and hands-on support to help researchers develop v...

Dr Sam Moxon , narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Sam's blog, offers a step-by-step guide for academics interested in turning their research into a successful business. Drawing from his own experience co-founding a spin-out at the University of Birmingham, Sam shares insights on how to transform an idea into a viable enterprise. The blog covers crucial aspects such as finding the r...