Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Beth Eyre - It’s not the end, it’s a new beginning

Dr Beth Eyre narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Beth reflects on her enriching journey from a PhD student to a postdoctoral researcher, in this heartfelt farewell blog. Beth shares insights from her experiences, the challenges of experimental failures, and the lessons learned in resilience and self-belief. As she prepares for a new role in Boston, USA, specialising in brain clearance and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, she shares her anticipation for future learning and her commitment to supporting upcoming researchers.
This blog shares the essence of her academic and personal growth, emphasising the importance of perseverance and community in scientific discovery.
As we say goodbye, Beth concludes with gratitude to the listeners and readers of her blogs, and shares her excitement for her next adventure in dementia research. Join her as she steps into this new chapter, continuing to contribute passionately to the field.
After a little more than 3 years, and 32 blogs charting the early days of her PhD to finding a great postdoc position, it has been wonderful to work with Beth. We hope you will join us in thanking her for taking us along with her on her PhD journey - post your comments below and leave a review.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-its-not-the-end-its-a-new-beginning/
Find all Beth's blogs on on our website.
 
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Dr Beth Eyre is a Postdoctoral Researcher at The University of Sheffield, researching Neurovascular and cognitive function in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease. Beth has a background in psychology, where she gained her degree from the University of Leeds. Inside and outside the lab, Beth loves sharing her science and in her blogs, she discusses her work, career and shares lessons she learns as she navigates life as an early career researcher.
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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. Enjoy listening? We're always on the look out for new contributors, if you would like to write and narrate your own blog - drop us a line dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk. 
Don't forget to also listen to our fortnightly podcast, just look for Dementia Researcher in your podcast app.
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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Implementing Patient & Public Involvement as a lab scientist

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Kamar helps us discover how Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) can revolutionise laboratory research, leading to breakthroughs that resonate more deeply with the needs of society. Engage in this critical dialogue to elevate the quality and impact of scientific discovery. #PPI #ResearchWithImpact
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-to-implement-patient-public-involvement-as-a-lab-scientist/
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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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Adam Smith - Listening: Key to Effective PI Leadership

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Adam talks about the critical role of listening in effective principal investigator (PI) leadership.  Adam emphasises the necessity for PIs to develop deep listening skills to successfully guide and support their research teams, particularly early career researchers. He argues against the common yet counterproductive reassurance reflex, advocating for a more engaged and empathetic approach to address the real concerns of team members. The blog highlights the benefits of active listening, including fostering trust, enhancing team dynamics, and driving robust scientific outcomes. He finishes with some practical strategies for PIs to improve their listening capabilities, ultimately transforming the dynamics of their teams and nurturing future scientific leaders.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-listening-key-to-effective-pi-leadership/
#PISkills #PrincipalInvestigator #ListeningSkills #LeadershipSkills
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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.
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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 Yvonne Couch - What It’s Really Like Being a PI

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Yvonne offers an unvarnished insight into the life of a Principal Investigator (PI). With a candid perspective drawn from her experience as an ARUK Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, Yvonne sheds light on the multifaceted role that goes far beyond research alone. From the relentless need for grant writing to the nuances of publishing papers and managing a laboratory, she explores the challenges and administrative demands that define the PI's journey. Aimed at junior researchers, her narrative is a valuable resource, offering a truthful preview of the dedication and skills required to navigate the academic summit, along with a reassuring reminder of the transferrable skills that are highly regarded beyond the ivory tower of academia.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-what-its-really-like-being-a-pi/
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Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK 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 @dr_yvonne_couch
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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 - Maternity Leave Priorities

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Emily shares an honest and reflective exploration of balancing new motherhood with academic ambitions. With a sharp wit and refreshing candour, Emily talks about the societal expectations of maternity leave, her personal trials in navigating baby classes, and her triumphant yet tumultuous journey through continuing academic work amidst motherhood.
Whether it's relishing cinema outings at parent and baby screenings or grappling with the pressures of publishing academic articles, Emily's narrative offers a glimpse into the complexities of balancing babies and books. Her update is not just about the challenges faced but also about the small victories and realisations that come with this unique phase of life, making it a must-read for new parents and academics alike.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-maternity-leave-priorities/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research
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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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Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Jodi Watt - Art-based communication for dementia & brain health

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
Discover the powerful role of art in enhancing communication around dementia and brain health with Dr Jodi Watt, a passionate advocate for integrating creativity into research and outreach. In their enlightening blog, they reflect on their journey from aspiring artist to a postdoctoral researcher specialising in dementia at the University of Glasgow. They make a compelling case for the use of art as a universal language, surpassing barriers and enriching the lives of those with dementia through expressive, hands-on activities. By merging art with science, Dr Watt invites us to consider a more inclusive and empathetic approach to dementia research and community engagement.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-art-based-communication-for-dementia-brain-health/
#ArtInDementia #BrainHealth #CreativeCommunication #DementiaResearch #ArtAsLanguage #InclusiveScience #HandsOnLearning #ExpressiveTherapy #ScienceAndArtistry
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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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Follow us on Social Media:
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Hannah Hussain - Pulling together your PhD Thesis

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Hannah provides an essential guide to crafting your PhD thesis! Gain practical advice on navigating the journey with structured strategies, insightful feedback, and engaging storytelling. Your roadmap to success starts here!
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-pulling-together-your-thesis/
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Hannah Hussain is a PhD Student in Health Economics at The University of Sheffield. As a proud third generation  migrant and British-Asian, her career path has been linear and ever evolving, originally qualifying as a Pharmacist in Nottingham, then Health Economics in Birmingham. Her studies have opened a world into Psychology, Mental Health and other areas of health, and with that and personal influences she found her passion for dementia.
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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.
Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk
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ISTAART Research Retrospectives - Professor Bruce Miller

Dr. Claire Sexton interviews Professor Bruce Miller about his career in dementia research, specifically focusing on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Professor Miller discusses his early work in the 1990s, when FTD was often dismissed as too rare to diagnose and differentiate from Alzheimer's disease. He credits his mentors, Frank Benson and Jeff Cummings, for supporting his belief in FTD as a distinct and common form of dementia. Professor Miller also discusses the resistance he faced in convincing the medical community of FTD's existence and the pivotal role of his 1991 paper in neurology. He highlights the importance of mentorship and collaboration in advancing research. Professor Miller also discusses the evolution of FTD research, including the identification of genetic forms of the disease and the development of potential treatments. He expresses optimism about the future of FTD research and treatment, particularly with the advent of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR. Dr. Miller also discusses his work with the Global Brain Health Institute, which aims to democratize health and focus on dementia in low and middle-income countries. He emphasizes the importance of compassionate care in conjunction with research.
Professor Miller will be attending the Alzheimer's Association Tau 2024 Conference & AAIC Satellite Symposium - find more information at https://www.alz.org
Find a transcript for this podcast, links to bios and the papers discussed in this podcast on our website:
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/istaart-research-retrospectives-professor-bruce-miller/
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If you would like to share your own experiences or discuss your research in a blog or on a podcast, drop us a line to dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk

Ajantha Abey - The Pros and Cons of using iPSCs in Dementia Research

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Explore Ajantha's insights on the revolutionary impact and challenges of using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in dementia research. Ajantha reflects on the journey with iPSC models, highlighting the groundbreaking potential to study diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by examining human brain cells without invasive methods.
The blog emphasises the transformative nature of iPSC technology, which allows for in-depth exploration into the mechanisms of dementia, yet it also brings to light the considerable effort, attention, and resources required to maintain and differentiate these cells.
Through a balanced lens, Ajantha offers a concise overview of the scientific opportunities iPSCs provide against the backdrop of the technical and logistical hurdles researchers face, presenting a clear picture of iPSC technology's role in advancing dementia research.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-ipscs-in-dementia-research/
#iPSCs #StemCells #DementiaResearch
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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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