Dementia Researcher Blogs

Adam Smith - AAIC 2025, Big, Busy and Worth It

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this guest blog, Adam offers a view of what to expect from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025. Drawing on past experiences, he outlines why this global event matters, what makes it unique, and how first-timers can make the most of it without becoming overwhelmed. From orientation lounges to poster sessions and career development opportunities, Adam provides reassurance and practical advice for navigating the intensity of a week at one of the biggest dementia research conferences in the world – whether you’re attending in person or online.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-aaic-2025-big-busy-and-worth-it/
--
Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health.  He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Professor Brian Lawlor - Why doctors should rethink dementia as brain health

Professor Brian Lawlor narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Brian argues for a fundamental shift in how doctors approach dementia. Instead of seeing it solely as an incurable disease, he proposes a brain health framework that empowers clinicians to manage risks, prevent complications like delirium, reduce inappropriate medications, and support quality of life. By adopting proactive, holistic care strategies, Brian (and the evidence) believes dementia can become a more manageable condition, akin to how cancer care has evolved.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-doctors-should-rethink-dementia-as-brain-health/
--
Brian Lawlor is a Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, and a Founding Director of GBHI at Trinity. He is a geriatric psychiatrist with an interest in dementia, late-life depression, loneliness and brain health. Brian has worked for over 30 years on developing services and delivering care to people with dementia. His research interests have ranged from early detection and prevention to evaluating new treatments for dementia. His current work is taking a life course preventive and brain health approach, as he is convinced that we must move more 'upstream', if we are to effectively tackle the 'wicked' problem of dementia.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Lesley Cousland - Why Care Home Communities Deserve a Place in Research

Lesley Cousland, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Lesley makes a case for why care home communities must be fully included in research. Drawing on experience and examples from her work, she highlights the exclusion faced by residents and staff, not due to inability but because systems and assumptions make participation unnecessarily difficult. The blog outlines practical steps for inclusion and urges researchers, policymakers, and care providers to actively listen and involve those who live and work in care homes.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-care-home-communities-deserve-a-place-in-research/
#DementiaResearch #ClinicalTrials #Research #CareHome #ENRICHScotland
--
Lesley Cousland is a Clinical Studies Officer with the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network and ENRICH Scotland. A retired mental health nurse with over 40 years’ experience, she now supports research in care homes, ensuring residents and staff help shape studies that matter to them.
--
 
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Dr Yvonne Couch - Coaching and Self-Reflection

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Yvonne shares her experience of working with a coach to explore identity, confidence, and purpose in academia. Through a humorous and vulnerable lens, she outlines how coaching has helped her challenge ingrained behaviours, understand her motivations, and untangle self-worth from professional achievement. The post highlights why self-reflection matters and how coaching can offer a constructive, external perspective for academics at all stages.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-coaching-and-self-reflection/
--
Dr Yvonne Couch is a Research Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Dr Jodi Watt - Who Gets Left Out of Dementia Prevention?

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Jodi Watt challenges the dominant narrative around dementia prevention. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are often emphasised, she argues these overlook deep-rooted structural inequalities. Jodi explores how factors such as poverty, racism, disability, housing, and access to healthcare shape exposure to risk and capacity to prevent dementia. She calls for a shift away from individual responsibility and towards systemic change, advocating for prevention strategies grounded in equity, lived experience, and justice.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-who-gets-left-out-of-dementia-prevention/
--
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.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Emily Spencer - The Exhausting Reality of Data Collection

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Emily, writes about the exhausting reality of data collection in her dementia research. Working in GP surgeries to video record consultations, she reflects on the challenge of building trust, managing logistics, and staying composed while juggling the demands of parenting and long commutes. Though rewarding, the process is draining, and Emily explores how she is learning to rest and make space for recovery.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-exhausting-reality-of-data-collection/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research #Productivity #PhDWriting #PhDLife
--
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.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://x.com/demrescommunity
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

Adam Smith - Closing the Gap Between Research and Implementation

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this guest blog, Adam explores the persistent challenge of getting research findings into practice, especially in dementia care. Drawing on conversations from the Dementia Researcher podcast and community, he highlights the common frustrations researchers face when promising ideas stall after funding ends. Adam shares five practical strategies to bridge the gap between research and implementation, calling for funders and institutions to support the next step in making research useful and sustainable in real settings.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-closing-the-gap-between-research-and-implementation/
--
Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health.  He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Dr Lindsey Sinclair - Courage in Academic Life

Dr Lindsey Sinclair narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Lindsey explores the role of courage in academic life. From the challenge of stepping into the spotlight to asking for help, she shares examples of bravery at all levels of research careers. Drawing from her own journey, personal, professional, and occasionally painful, she reminds us that many small acts of courage can build a meaningful and successful career in science. Whether it’s speaking up, reaching out, or simply trying again, courage underpins progress.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-courage-in-academic-life/
--
Dr Lindsey Sinclair is an Honorary Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Bristol and a Locum Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry. Her research explores the relationship between depression and dementia, combining lab work with epidemiology and genetics. Clinically, she works with older adults experiencing a wide range of mental health problems. Outside of work, she’s a keen baker and runner, and has a particular talent for creating ambitious birthday cakes.
Find Lindsey on LinkedIn
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://x.com/demrescommunity
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Does the research funding process need reforming?

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Kam critically explores how research funding is currently awarded and argues that the process, while central to academic success, is fraught with subjectivity and bias. Drawing on her own experiences and wider evidence, she considers reforms such as blind reviewing, partial randomisation, and incentives for good research practice, all with the aim of making the system fairer and more conducive to innovation, especially for early career and minoritised researchers.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-does-the-research-funding-process-need-reforming/
--
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.
--
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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://x.com/demrescommunity
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher