Dementia Researcher Blogs

Bernie McInally - LGBTQ+ and higher dementia risk

Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this updated blog, Bernie McInally examines the heightened dementia risk among LGBTQ+ individuals, driven by factors like minority stress, social isolation, and health inequalities. Drawing on the latest ENRICH Scotland care home survey, he reveals the lack of structured LGBTQ+ support and calls for targeted action—through training, dedicated roles, inclusive research practices, and stronger community engagement. Bernie argues this isn’t just a gap in research, it’s a call for systemic change in care environments.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-lgbtq-and-higher-dementia-risk/
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Bernie McInally is a Clinical Studies Officer at NHS Lothian and the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network. Bernie's background is in Nursing, working in Mental Health and with Older People. He retired from full time NHS clinical work, and is now back working in Clinical Research supporting delivery of the Enabling Research in Care Homes (ENRICH) Scotland. He is passionate about research delivery, and opening access to people in all communities.
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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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Ajantha Abey - What Happens In a Grant Review Panel

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Ajantha provides an exclusive look into the inner workings of an Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK) grant review panel. Highlighting the structured and rigorous process of evaluation, Ajantha outlines key criteria considered essential by reviewers such as feasibility, innovation, training environment, and impact planning. The article identifies recurring strengths and weaknesses found in grant applications, offering valuable guidance for early-career researchers aiming to enhance their chances of funding success. This behind-the-scenes perspective demystifies the grant application process and underscores the importance of clear writing, well-justified methodologies, contingency planning, and alignment with funders’ priorities.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-what-happens-in-a-grant-review-panel/
 
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Ajantha Abey is a PhD student in the Kavli Institute at University of Oxford. He is interested in the cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other diseases of the ageing brain. Previously, having previoulsy explored neuropathology in dogs with dementia and potential stem cell replacement therapies. He now uses induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons to try and model selective neuronal vulnerability: the phenomenon where some cells die but others remain resilient to neurodegenerative diseases.
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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 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 Becky Carlyle - Choose your Mentors

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
This time Becky's blog addresses the complex but essential role of mentorship in career and leadership development, particularly within academia. She underscores the importance of selecting mentors suited to specific professional needs, such as grant writing, overcoming imposter syndrome, or navigating career transitions. Becky advocates for clear, goal-oriented mentoring relationships and highlights the significant benefits of peer mentoring. She shares personal experiences of impactful mentorship, emphasising the value of both formal and informal mentoring arrangements in fostering career progression and personal well-being.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-choose-your-mentors/--
 
Dr Becky Carlyle is an Alzheimer's Research UK Senior Research Fellow at University of Oxford, and has previously worked in the USA. Becky writes about her experiences of starting up a research lab and progressing into a more senior research role. Becky's research uses mass-spectrometry to quantify thousands of proteins in the brains and biofluids of people with dementia. Her lab is working on various projects, including work to compare brain tissue from people with dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease, to tissue from people who have similar levels of Alzheimer’s Disease pathology but no memory problems. Becky is also a mum, she runs, drinks herbal tea's and reads lots of books. Find Becky 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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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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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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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