Dementia Researcher Blogs

Yasmin Bonsu - Embracing Unplanned Opportunities

Yasmin Bonsu, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Yasmin discusses her emotional journey after securing an unexpected teaching job offer post-graduation. Initially conflicted, she explores the notion of success beyond rigid expectations, realising that unplanned paths can offer profound personal and professional growth. Yasmin emphasises the value of teaching as an opportunity to inspire diversity in science, develop essential communication skills, and contribute positively to others' journeys. Ultimately, she advocates for embracing uncertainty as a powerful source of new opportunities.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-embracing-unplanned-opportunities/
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Yasmin Bonsu is an an undergraduate student from the University of Manchester currently undertaking a placement year at Wade-Martins Lab at Oxford University. Yasmin is investigating the activity of proteoforms of the granin family in cortical neurons insulted with oligomerised amyloid beta. Her goal is to finish her placement year, earn her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, and then pursue a PhD in clinical neuroscience. Through Yasmin's blogs we'll gain insights on life as an undergraduate, and hopefully inspire others to pursue a career in dementia research. @yasminnnx2
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Clíona Farrell - How PPIE involvement can Improve a Conference

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Clíona reflects on her experience at the UK DRI Vascular ECR conference, where patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) was embedded throughout the event. From shaping research discussions to helping early career researchers improve accessibility, Clíona shares how the inclusion of lived experience experts made the conference more insightful, collaborative, and engaging. She argues that PPIE isn't just for clinical researchers – it benefits preclinical science too and should be a standard part of the research process.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-ppie-involvement-can-improve-a-conference/
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Dr Clíona Farrell is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London. Her work focuses on understanding neuroinflammation in Down syndrome, both prior to, and in response to, Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Clíona completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience in Trinity College, and then worked as a research assistant in the Royal College of Surgeons studying ALS and Parkinson’s disease. She also knows the secret behind scopping the perfect 99 ice-cream cone. @ClionaFarrell_--
Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Marian Montanha - What I Wish I Knew Before Working in Clinical Trials

Marian Montanha, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In her first blog for Dementia Researcher Marian reflects on her initial nine months working in clinical trials, contrasting her previous patient-centred roles with the highly structured and data-driven nature of research. She discusses the surprising realities she encountered, including the intensity of paperwork, the necessity of standardisation, and the prolonged timeline for gratification and impact. Marian candidly shares her feelings of missing direct therapeutic interactions yet appreciates the external validation and the significant potential to make long-term impacts on patient care and treatments.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-what-i-wish-i-knew-before-working-in-clinical-trials/--
 
Marian Montanha is a Clinical Studies Office in the NHS – Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. With a background in Psychology and a keen interest in Neuropsychology, Marian plays a vital role in clinical research, coordinating and managing clinical trials, ensuring smooth operations, and maintaining accurate records, while also promoting research and collaborating with clinical teams. Passionate about patient care, she is driven to help people maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life. Marian's top tip for ECRs? “You don’t know what you don’t know”. Find Marian on LinkedIn
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Sam Moxon - Will Dementia Research Funding Weather the Financial Storm?

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Sam examines the impact of the UK's shifting financial priorities on dementia research funding. While government-backed funds like Innovate UK, MRC, EPSRC, and UKRI face potential budget tightening, charities such as Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society & Race Against Dementia continue to play a crucial role. The blog highlights uncertainties ahead, suggesting increased competition for available grants, but reassures that the overall support for dementia research remains strong despite financial pressures.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-will-dementia-research-funding-weather-the-financial-storm/
#Grantfunding #Research #ResearchFunding
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Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials Research Fellow at University of Birmingham. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney.
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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Rebecca Williams - Stand-Up Scientists: Lessons from Comedy

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Rebecca explores how stand-up comedy techniques can enhance science communication. From crafting engaging openings to honing audience interaction, she shares insights on making research talks more compelling. By embracing humour, observation, and performance skills, scientists can captivate their listeners—whether in a lecture theatre or at a conference.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-stand-up-scientists-lessons-from-comedy/--
Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Emily Spencer - Balancing fieldwork and family

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Emily discusses the unexpected complexities of balancing PhD fieldwork and family responsibilities. Reflecting on her experiences post-maternity leave, she highlights significant challenges such as scheduling crucial meetings around childcare constraints and the constant need for adaptability. Emily stresses the importance of careful planning, communication with her partner, and seeking support from friends and colleagues to ensure her research progresses while maintaining family life.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-balancing-fieldwork-and-family/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research #Productivity
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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - How to use controls in your scientific studies

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Kamar highlights the importance of using controls in scientific research to ensure reliable, unbiased results. Kam explores different study designs, from clinical trials and case-control studies to neuropathology and animal research, demonstrating how controls help isolate variables and maintain validity. Drawing from their own experience, they discuss strategies such as matched designs, randomised controlled trials, and immunohistochemistry controls, showing how each approach enhances experimental rigour across different research fields.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-to-use-controls-in-your-scientific-studies/
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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
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Rahul Sidhu - My PhD: Neurovascular effects of heart disease in Alzheimer's

Rahul Sidhu, narrating a new blog he wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
Rahul's blog explores his research and the connection between heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how vascular dysfunction may accelerate cognitive decline. He explains the importance of neurovascular coupling, the role of tau protein tangles, and how conditions like atherosclerosis impact brain health. Using preclinical models, his research investigates whether impaired blood flow worsens Alzheimer’s progression, highlighting the potential for new treatments that improve vascular health as a way to slow or prevent dementia.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-my-phd-neurovascular-effects-of-heart-disease-in-alzheimers/
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​Rahul Sidhu is a PhD student at The University of Sheffield, focusing on the effects of heart disease on dementia in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease. His research aims to uncover how cardiovascular health influences neurodegenerative conditions, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies.​ Find Rahul on LinkedIn
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
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Dr Jodi Watt - So you need some data – now what?

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
Jodi explores the challenges and essentials of working with research data, offering practical steps to find, evaluate, store, and analyse it effectively. Drawing from personal experience, they highlight common pitfalls, the importance of thorough searching, compliance considerations, and the need to truly understand data before diving into analysis. With a structured approach, researchers can turn overwhelming datasets into valuable insights, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and meaningful outcomes.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-so-you-need-some-data-now-what/
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Dr Jodi Watt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Glasgow. Jodi's academic interests are in both healthy ageing and neurodegenerative diseases of older age, and they are currently working on drug repurposing for dementia. Previously they worked on understanding structural, metabolic and physiological brain changes with age, as measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As a queer and neurodiverse person, Jodi is also incredibly interested in improving diversity and inclusion practices both within and outside of the academic context.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
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