Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Yvonne Couch - The Cost of Research

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Yvonne explores the increasing challenges faced by researchers in securing funding and sustaining scientific progress. Highlighting her personal experiences and comparisons over the past two decades, she underscores the dramatic rise in costs, the growing competition for limited funds, and the impact of modern research expenses. Yvonne also reflects on the broader economic and institutional factors that have made it harder for early career researchers to thrive, painting a vivid picture of the current landscape of scientific research and the urgent need for more robust financial support.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-cost-of-research/
--
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
--
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

Dr Helena Gellersen - Ultimate guide to making the most of the AAIC

Helena Gellersen, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Helena shares valuable tips on making the most of academic conferences, particularly the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). She offers practical advice on leveraging conference resources, setting goals, effective networking, and presenting research. She emphasises the importance of preparation, strategic planning, and follow-up to enhance the conference experience and foster meaningful connections, ultimately advancing one's career. Her guidance is particularly beneficial for early career researchers navigating the often overwhelming environment of large academic conferences.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-ultimate-guide-to-making-the-most-of-the-aaic/
--
Dr Helena Gellersen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and current Education Chair Trainee for the ISTAART Neuroimaging. The focus of Helena's work is on identifying preclinical signatures of Alzheimer’s disease and to develop novel memory and neuroimaging markers for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and for monitoring disease progression. @HGellersen
Find out more about the Neuroimaging PIA and ISTAART at alz.org/istaart
--
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

Rebecca Williams - Perfectionism: The Why Matters

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Rebecca reflects on the intense pressure she has felt throughout her academic career to be perfect, driven by the fear of failure and the need to prove her worth in a privileged position. She discusses how this perfectionism, common in academia, stems from a deep-seated need to justify her place and avoid the perceived monster of failure. Through her journey, she learns to shift her perspective from running away from failure to embracing her passion for science, realising the importance of balance, and accepting that making mistakes is a fundamental part of being human.
Sound familiar? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-perfectionism-the-why-matters/
--
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
--
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

Amelia Robson - Is age just a number? Working with patients from a different generation

Amelia Robson, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In her first blog for Dementia Researcher, Amelia shares her experiences as a young researcher working with people living with dementia, highlighting the importance of building rapport through genuine conversation and shared interests. She discusses the challenges of connecting with older generations and offers practical tips on engaging patients, such as complimenting their home décor and discussing common hobbies like birdwatching and stargazing. Amelia's insights emphasise the significance of a positive, open approach to foster trust and improve the research experience for both patients and researchers.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-working-with-patients-from-a-different-generation/
--
Amelia Robson is a Research Assistant at Northumbria University supporting delivery of NHS Clinical Trials, particularly in working with Dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease patients. This work currently involves visiting patient’s homes and applying polysomnography sleep equipment on their face, scalp and body. Amelia graduated in Psychology in 2021 and is passionate about supporting people living with the dementia, and providing help for care givers. Her top tip.... Trust your Gut to stay on the right path. Follow Amelia Robson 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://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

Dr Clarissa Giebel - What actually happens at funding committees?

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Clarissa discusses her learning from serving on an NIHR funding committee, detailing the rigorous process of grant review and decision-making. She highlights the valuable lessons learned about crafting strong grant applications, the importance of presenting research clearly to a diverse committee, and the critical role of patient and public involvement. Clarissa also discusses the commitment required for this role and encourages early career researchers to get involved in grant reviewing and committee membership for professional growth and a deeper understanding of the funding landscape.
 
--
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-what-actually-happens-at-funding-committees/
--
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.
--
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.
--
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

Athena Bratopoulou and Dr Zsófia László - The Quest to Understand MND / ALS

Join Athena Bratopoulou as she interviews Dr Zsófia László about her research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
Athena Bratopoulou, an undergraduate Neuroscience student at the University of Dundee, interviews Dr Zsófia László, an MNDA Junior Fellow. They discuss Dr László's journey into the field of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) research, her work on synaptic connections, and the crucial role of glial cells in neurodegeneration. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of scientific research, the importance of a supportive research environment and the connecting with people living with the disease, and the hope for new treatments for MND. This blog provides a personal and professional glimpse into the lives of researchers dedicated to understanding and combating MND.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-quest-to-understand-motor-neuron-disease/
#MND #ALS
--
Athena Bratopoulou is currently I am doing an internship in the Henstridge Lab at the School of Medicine, University of Dundee, which is centred around synaptoneurosomes in health and in ALS. Athena moved from Greece with her heart set on studying the brain, with a firm belief that it is the single most fascinating thing!
Dr Zsofia Laszlo from the School of Medicine, University of Dundee and Euan MacDonald Centre. Zsofia moved to Scotland in October 2020, after finishing her PhD at the Institute of Experimental Medicine in Budapest, Hungary. She joined the laboratory of Euan MacDonald Centre member Dr Chris Henstridge to investigate the mechanisms behind the loss of connection (synapses) between brain cells in MND.
--
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.
--
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

Dr Sam Moxon - Diet and Motor Neuron Disease, Is There Anything Here?

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Sam explores the potential link between diet and Motor Neuron Disease (MND). With only 10% of MND cases being genetically inherited, Sam investigates the role of environmental factors, particularly diet, in the development and management of MND. He examines various diets, including carnivore, ketogenic, paleo, Mediterranean, and vegan, evaluating their potential benefits and drawbacks. While some diets show promise in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, the evidence remains inconclusive. Sam emphasises the need for further research to understand the impact of diet on MND and to develop personalised nutritional strategies for people at risk and those living with the disease.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-diet-and-motor-neuron-disease-is-there-anything-here/
--
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 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:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

Dr Hannah Smith - The grant review process; perspective of an ECR

Dr Hannah Smith narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In her first blog for Dementia Researcher, Hannah provides a detailed account of her experience as the first Early Career Researcher (ECR) on MND Scotland’s Scientific Advisory Panel. She emphasises the immense value this role has brought to her career development and the benefits it offers to both the research community and those affected by motor neuron disease. Hannah discusses the challenges ECRs face in transitioning to independent research roles and highlights how observing the grant review process has enhanced her grant-writing skills. She advocates for other funding bodies to include ECRs in their panels, noting the unique perspectives and technical insights they bring to the table.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-grant-review-process-perspective-of-an-ecr/
#MND
--
Dr Hannah Smith is a committed science communicator, ECR rep on MND Scotland’s grant reviewing Scientific Advisory Panel and Postdoctoral Research Fellow working on Motor Neuron Disease (MND) at The University of Edinburgh. Hannah's current work is bioinformatics-focused, generating and analysing the transcriptome and translatome in the motor neurons at pre- and early symptomatic stages. She hopes to  find new insights into the earliest cellular dysfunction of ALS/MND, focused around changes to the protein translation. 
--
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.
--
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

Dr Connor Richardson - Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries (Part 1)

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Connor narrates his journey in his blog "Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries." He discusses the challenges and emotional rollercoaster of applying for an academic promotion, detailing his unsuccessful first attempt and the lessons he learned from it. Connor reflects on the daunting application process, the feelings of imposter syndrome, and the eventual disappointment. However, he also highlights the growth and new perspectives gained, including a more realistic view of his career and the importance of self-worth. His story is a candid and insightful read for anyone navigating the complexities of academic promotions.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-academic-promotions-a-tale-of-two-tries/
--
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.
--
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