Dementia Researcher Blogs

Ajantha Abey - The Transformative Potential of AI on Basic Science

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In his guest blog, Ajantha, a PhD student at the University of Oxford, explores the transformative potential of AI in dementia research at the basic science level. He discusses how AI can enhance literature searches, improve conference collaborations, and analyse large datasets, thereby accelerating discoveries and innovations in the field. By utilising AI, researchers can navigate the overwhelming amount of scientific literature, find relevant collaborations, and efficiently analyse complex data, ultimately leading to more targeted and effective research outcomes. Ajantha also addresses the challenges and risks associated with AI, emphasising the need for responsible and ethical implementation to maximise its benefits in dementia research.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-transformative-potential-of-ai/
#AI #BasicScience #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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Dr Yvonne Couch - Waste in Academic Research

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
This time Yvonne discusses waste in academic research and sheds light on the systemic inefficiencies plaguing the academic world, where valuable resources, time, and expertise are often squandered. She highlights the prevalence of unused, expensive equipment gathering dust, the precarious nature of short-term research contracts, and the vast amounts of lab space lying idle. Yvonne calls for a rethink of how academic institutions allocate funds, manage space, and support researchers to reduce waste and improve the overall productivity and impact of scientific research. Her personal anecdotes and insightful observations make a compelling case for urgent reforms in academia.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-waste-in-academic-research/
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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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Yasmin Bonsu - Benefits of Completing a Placement Year

Yasmin Bonsu, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Yasmin, a Neuroscience student at The University of Manchester, discusses the invaluable benefits of completing a placement year. She explains how such experiences bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, enhancing scientific skills and confidence. Yasmin shares her journey of securing a placement, highlighting the challenges of rejection and the ultimate rewards of perseverance. She emphasises that a placement year not only makes students more attractive to employers but also helps them clarify their career goals. Ultimately, she encourages students to gain practical experience to better understand their post-university aspirations.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-benefits-of-completing-a-placement-year/
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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 Jodi Watt - Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Jodi shares their personal journey of grappling with the decision to remain in academia or pursue a different career path. They discuss the pressures and uncertainties they face, from the desire for personal growth and career advancement to the challenges of finding job security and a supportive work environment. Through introspective questions and reflections, Jodi explores the complexities of making such a pivotal career choice, aiming to find clarity and direction amidst the indecision. Have you faced a similar decision? How did you approach the question?
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/
#Academia
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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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Dr Clarissa Giebel - Journal Clubs: How can I set one up?

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Clarissa shares her experience in running a successful journal club for a dementia research group at the University of Liverpool. Meeting monthly, the club allows members to discuss recent papers, critically analyse research, and build capacity in public speaking. Tips for setting up a journal club include booking rooms and presenters in advance, selecting recent papers, and encouraging open discussions. Additionally, inviting external participants can enrich the discussions and make the club more inclusive. Clarissa emphasises the minimal effort required to maintain the club once established and invites others to join.
 
Don't have colleagues who would join, or the time to start your own? Dementia Researcher can help... find out more....
 
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/virtual-journal-club-platform-for-dementia-researchers/
 
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Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-journal-clubs-how-can-i-set-one-up/
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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.
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Dr Emma Law - So, you think you could be a rater…Maybe not!

Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Emma has over 35 years of experience in clinical trials, and in this blog she offers a candid look into the role of a 'rater' within clinical trials. She highlights the necessity for consistency in rating cognitive abilities across global trials and illustrates the challenges faced by raters, including stringent vendor assessments and the paradox of qualifications versus practical experience. Through personal anecdotes, she reveals the often arbitrary nature of rater selection and the impact it can have on research sites, emphasising the need for a more equitable and effective assessment system.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-so-you-think-you-could-be-a-ratermaybe-not/
#DementiaResearch #ClinicalTrails #CognitiveAssessment #Research #MMSE
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Dr Emma Law is Strategic Manager for the The Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. Emma has 13 years experience as a Clinical Trails Network Manager and over 35 years experience as a Nurse, many of which were spent in the delivery of Clinical Research Trials. Emma completed her PhD and is passionate about giving people living with dementia and their carers access to participate in research. 
 
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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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Bernie McInally - Fate, Research and Retirement

Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Bernie McInally, a retired mental health nurse, shares his journey of finding purpose and fulfilment in dementia research. Initially reluctant, Bernie’s involvement with the Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network (SDCRN) transformed his retirement, merging clinical expertise with newfound research skills. His story highlights how fate led him to continue contributing to the field post-retirement, making his transition seamless and rewarding. Bernie’s experience underscores the value of blending clinical experience with research, encouraging others to explore similar paths as they approach retirement.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-fate-research-and-retirement/
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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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Clíona Farrell - Tackling the PhD thesis through planning

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Clíona shares her personal journey of writing a PhD thesis, offering invaluable tips and strategies to make the process more manageable and enjoyable. She emphasises the importance of meticulous planning, from setting clear timelines and choosing examiners to structuring the thesis and selecting conducive writing environments. Cliona candidly discusses the challenges she faced (but you will notice she is Dr, so it worked), including managing time effectively and maintaining a work-life balance, while encouraging readers to celebrate small milestones and prioritize self-care. Her practical advice aims to demystify the thesis-writing process, making it less daunting for PhD students.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-tackling-the-phd-thesis-through-planning/
#DementiaResearch #ThesisWriting #PhDStudent #PhDTips #PhDHelp
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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_
 
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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 - Life after Maternity leave: planning a return to work

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In her blog, Emily talks about the challenges she faces transitioning back to work after maternity leave.Candidly discussing the difficulties of finding suitable accommodation in London's demanding rental market and the reality of securing childcare while managing a limited budget. Despite these challenges, Emily remains optimistic about her ability to balance work and family life effectively, thanks to the flexible nature of her PhD program. Her narrative not only highlights the logistical hurdles but also reflects on the emotional and strategic planning required for such a significant life change.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-life-after-maternity-leave-planning-a-return-to-work/
#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.
--
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