Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Improving clinician-academic partnerships to advance dementia research

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Discover the path to groundbreaking dementia research in the latest blog from Kamar Ameen-Ali. Kam delves into the crucial role clinicians play in driving clinical research forward. Unveiling the challenges and opportunities of collaboration, Kam draws from firsthand experiences, showcasing how effective partnerships between clinicians and academics can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through insightful anecdotes and practical insights, this blog unlocks the potential for transformative progress in dementia research, emphasising the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to unlock breakthroughs that could change lives. 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-improving-clinician-academic-partnerships/
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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.

Ajantha Abey - Why You Should Teach Alongside Your Research (Especially As A PhD Student)

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In the realm of academia, teaching is often viewed as a hindrance to research, a time-consuming chore that distracts from crucial experimental work. However, Ajantha Abey passionately argues that teaching can be a source of wonder and enrichment for aspiring researchers, especially PhD students. By sharing his own experiences as a postgraduate student, he demonstrates how teaching not only fosters better communication and understanding but also serves as a catalyst for new research ideas. Ajantha unveils the transformative power of guiding and inspiring the next generation of scientists, proving that teaching, far from being a burden, is a fulfilling and essential part of the scientific journey.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-why-you-should-teach-alongside-your-research/
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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.

Dr Connor Richardson - Population Studies, What we have learned and why we need them

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Connor discusses the significance of population-based epidemiology in dementia research. While often overlooked, population studies play a crucial role in understanding the distribution of cognitive function, estimating dementia prevalence and incidence, and identifying risk factors. The blog highlights the benefits of population-based study design, such as achieving accurate and unbiased estimations and gaining insights into the causes and prevention of dementia. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of studying diverse ageing populations over time and in different regions to contextualise dementia research and develop effective strategies to support older individuals in various settings.
This is part one and Connor promises to delve deeper into specific population studies, key findings, and quantitative research techniques in subsequent blogs while acknowledging the influence of Professors Fiona Matthews and Carol Brayne on his writing.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-population-studies-what-we-have-learned-and-why-we-need-them/
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Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate (soon to be NIHR Research Fellow) in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s.
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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.

Dr Sam Moxon - How to Build your Academic Network

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Sam emphasises the cornerstone role of collaboration in dementia research and provides practical tips and strategies to foster effective partnerships. Dementia profoundly affects millions worldwide, demanding a holistic approach to explore its complexities. By collaborating across disciplines like neuroscience, psychology, genetics, and public health, researchers can access diverse expertise and larger datasets, leading to more impactful findings. Sam stresses the value of recognising collaboration as more than convenience, as it integrates varied perspectives, sparks innovation, and bridges gaps in understanding. Attending conferences and workshops facilitates networking and idea sharing, while clear communication channels, a collaborative culture, and seeking funding sustain and drive dementia research advancements. Disseminating findings widely ensures broader accessibility and creates tangible benefits for those living with dementia. 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-how-to-build-your-academic-network/
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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.
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.

Rebecca Williams - Science Communication, Reaching Out of the Bubble

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Rebecca shares her personal journey from a small town in the North of England to Oxford University, reflecting on the doubts and fears that almost prevented her from applying. With a strong belief in the power of science communication, she emphasises the importance of outreach, especially to underrepresented communities, and encourages academics to take action in inspiring students to pursue higher education. Rebecca's story serves as a call to break barriers and make a difference by reaching out to students and empowering them to believe in their potential, something she has recently been supporting when she returned to school to share her journey and talk science.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-science-communication-reaching-out-of-the-bubble/
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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.

Dr Aida Suarez-Gonzalez - Getting yourself a senior academic promotion

Dr Aida Suárez-Gonzalez narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Aida discusses the process of senior academic promotions (grade 9 and 10) in UK higher education institutions, focusing on the underrepresentation of women in such positions. She shares tips and learnings from her own experience, advising readers to prepare in advance, organise their merits according to the framework, attend workshops, download official forms, seek examples of successful applications, be aware of gender bias, craft a strong personal statement, aim for the minimum requirements rather than perfection, seek support from experienced colleagues, and be mindful of internal deadlines to increase their chances of success in the promotions process.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-getting-yourself-a-senior-academic-promotion/
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Dr Aida Suarez-Gonzalez is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology at Queen Square. With many years clinical experience working in Spain, Aida now investigating non-pharmacological interventions, services and assistive technologies to support people living well with 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  

Dr Clarissa Giebel - More than a paper: co-designing a board game

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Clarissa discusses the process of co-designing a board game, the Dementia Inequalities Game, as an innovative way to share research findings on dementia care inequalities. Through co-production workshops involving people with dementia, carers, care professionals, and Third Sector representatives, the team developed the game's concept. They collaborated with game designers, secured funding, and involved Third Sector organisations to ensure successful production and distribution. Dr. Giebel emphasises the importance of creativity in research dissemination, encouraging academics to explore alternative avenues like games, podcasts, and talks to reach a broader audience and generate greater impact. The game aims to raise awareness, promote discussion, and educate players about dementia and its associated inequalities.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-more-than-a-paper-co-designing-a-board-game/
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Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist.
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If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more 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.

Dr Yvonne Couch - Isolation in Academia

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Yvonne discusses the isolation experienced in academia and the importance of mentoring for mental health and academic success. She shares personal experiences of feeling alone and the fear it brings, emphasising the detrimental effects of isolation on career progression. Yvonne advocates for mandatory mentoring programmes for early career researchers and highlights the need for mentors to ask the right questions and guide mentees in achieving their goals. 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-isolation-in-academia/
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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.

Hannah Hussain - Conference Countdown: Mastering the Art of Preparation

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, learn how to prepare for a conference to maximise your experience by reviewing the program, setting goals, utilising digital networking, dressing appropriately, taking care of logistics, and following up with connections made, ultimately making the most of the valuable opportunity to network, learn, and share in your field.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-conference-countdown-mastering-the-art-of-preparation/
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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