Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Jodi Watt - Making your presentations more accessible

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Jodi's focus is on making scientific presentations more accessible. They highlight common pitfalls, such as using small font sizes or poor colour contrasts, that can make presentations exclusionary. The blog provides practical tips for improvement, such as using clear, sans-serif fonts, defining jargon, ensuring high-contrast colours, and being consistent in design. Captioning, signposting, and avoiding distracting animations are advised to make presentations more inclusive. Jodi encourages using accessibility checkers and being flexible to cater to diverse audience needs, aiming for science communication that is as inclusive as possible (and don't forget Alt Descriptions for non-decorative images).
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-making-your-presentations-more-accessible/
#PresentationSkills #MakingSlides #Presenting #AcademicPresentations #AcademicTalks #PowerPointSlides #Accessibility #EDI
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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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Rebecca Williams - Research Impact: Beginning at the End

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Rebecca contemplates the journey of her work from its conception to its final goal of tangible real-world impact. She shares a personal anecdote about her first publication, reflecting on the sense of anticlimax when the anticipated change failed to materialise instantly. This experience serves as a springboard for a broader discussion on how researchers can create a more direct path to impact.
Rebecca provides practical suggestions on how to align research with NICE recommendations to ensure relevance and application in health services. She urges researchers to engage with policy-making, even in the early stages of their careers, to understand the kind of evidence that can influence decisions and replicate success. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of public engagement, advising researchers to consult with patients and carers to ensure their work addresses real needs and achieves its intended effect.
The blog underscores the idea that research impact should not be an afterthought but a guiding principle from the beginning of the research process. By integrating these approaches, she advocates for a more intentional and effective pathway to ensure that research does not "enter the void" but instead contributes to meaningful progress.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-research-impact-beginning-at-the-end/
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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.
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Dr Anna Volkmer - Appraising and planning for the next year

Dr Anna Volkmer, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Anna reflects on her previous year's challenges and outlines her goals for 2024. She discusses the importance of annual appraisals in academia, detailing both the process and its focus on achievements and development plans, including publications, funding, and professional growth. Anna shares her ambition to publish significant research, mentioning her recent work and future aspirations. She also highlights her commitment to enhancing her skills through advanced courses, mentorship, and international collaboration, and plans to deepen her knowledge in health economics and implementation science. 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-appraising-and-planning-for-the-next-year/
#DementiaResearch #Appraisal #Academia #AcademicLife #Planning
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Dr Anna Volkmer is a Speech and Language Therapist and researcher in Language and Cognition, Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London. Anna is researching Speech and language therapy interventions in language led dementia and was once voted scariest speech and language therapist (even her children agree).
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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
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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.
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Dr Yvonne Couch - Let's Talk About Sex

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
The basics of gender differences in health risks include that women generally live longer than men, and age is a significant risk factor for dementia, making women more susceptible to developing it. Specifically, the Alzheimer’s Association notes that there are twice as many women with Alzheimer’s as men. With stroke risk, it varies by age; women are at higher risk before the age of 30, after which the risk is higher in men until menopause, when the risk becomes more even​ - find out more and get the full details in this blog, listen now, or click below to read on our website.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-lets-talk-about-sex/
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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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Ajantha Abey - How to use basic AI as a daily research tool

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Ajantha outlines the benefits and pitfalls of using AI chatbots in research. He emphasises their proficiency in language tasks and idea generation, but also warns against overreliance on AI for tasks requiring factual accuracy, as AI can fabricate data. He suggests a balanced approach to using AI as a tool to augment, but not replace, the researcher's own critical thinking and creativity - listen to his full advise in the audio version of this blog.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-to-use-basic-ai-as-a-daily-research-tool/
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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 Gaia Brezzo - The price of deception, academia’s dark side

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Gaia examines the (arguably) widespread issue of academic fraud, from the shock of discovering misconduct in familiar research to the systemic pressures that contribute to such deceit. She addresses the severe implications for public health and scientific integrity, while also discussing the need for better quality control and accountability within the scientific community. The blog advocates for a change in academic incentives and proposes utilising AI as a tool for detecting fraud, urging for a culture that protects rather than penalises whistleblowers.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-price-of-deception-academias-dark-side/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMisconduct #Academia
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Dr Gaia Brezzo is a Research Fellow based within the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh. Gaia's research focuses on understanding how immune alterations triggered by stroke shape chronic maladaptive neuroimmune responses that lead to post-stroke cognitive decline and vascular dementia. Raised in Italy, Gaia came to the UK to complete her undergraduate degree, and thankfully, stuck around. Gaia writes about her work and career challenges, when not biking her way up and down hills in Edinburgh. Follow Gaia on Twitter: @Gaia_Brezzo
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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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Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi - My experience as an ISTAART Ambassador

Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this insightful blog, Sára shares her journey as an ISTAART ambassador, highlighting the enriching experiences and connections made in the field of dementia research. From her initial hesitance to network to embracing opportunities at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), Sára's role as an ambassador not only expanded her knowledge but also fostered invaluable collaborations and offered a platform to engage with communities, inspiring researchers to make a tangible impact on healthcare systems. Her reflections underline the personal and professional growth possible through such a role, encouraging others to explore this rewarding path.
If you've been inspired by this blog, ISTAART opens its Ambassador Programme every year, and the current deadline for applications is 8th March 2024 - Apply Now.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-my-experience-as-an-istaart-ambassador/
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Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi is a PhD Student at the Sant Pau Memory Unit – Neuroimaging Core and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Originally from New Zealand, Sára's current work focusses on neuroimaging of small vessel disease in Down Syndrome. In previous roles she has worked on healthy brain aging and meditation, and is currently an ISTAART Ambassador.
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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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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - British Neuropathological Society Meeting Highlights

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
At the 125th meeting of the British Neuropathological Society, leading experts gathered to share recent advancements in neuropathology. The symposium, preceding the meeting, offered fresh perspectives on neurodegeneration. Notable talks included insights into cognition and dementia risk, transcriptomics in human neurodegeneration, and molecular mechanisms in disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. The following sessions highlighted the importance of diverse diagnostic antibodies in Parkinson’s disease and discussed the neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury.
Kam shares highlights in this blog, with indepth analysis and a review of posters... look out for revealing new findings in microglial phenotypes in Alzheimer’s and senescence markers in dementia.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-british-neuropathological-society-meeting-highlights/
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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.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Marija Taneska - Nonpharmacological interventions PIA Year in Review Recap

Marija Taneska, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Marija shares highlights from the recent ISTAART's Nonpharmacological Interventions PIA Year in Review webinar. Exploring the significance of holistic dementia care and the role of digital tools in supporting caregivers. It discusses research on dementia beyond pharmacological treatments, emphasising the necessity for inclusive, co-produced interventions and the exploration of lifestyle interventions, neuromodulation, and digital technologies for enhancing dementia care. Upcoming projects and studies aim to further our understanding and application of nonpharmacological approaches in managing dementia.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-nonpharmacological-interventions-pia-year-in-review-recap/
Don’t forget, you can get involved in the Nutrition, Metabolism & Dementia PIA by joining ISTAART and get access to previous webinars!
#DementiaResearch #ISTAART #Dementia
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Marija Taneska is a Research Evidence Officer for the Alzheimer's Society and Student Representative at the ISTAART Nonpharmacological Interventions PIA. Marija reviews and synthesizes dementia evidence from different sources to inform Alzheimer's Society work. She is particulary close to the IDEAL, PriDem and NIDUS Projects and collaborates with researchers in dementia care to ensure mutual exchange and support. Marija is also a visiting Research Assistant at UCL, co-leading a project aimed to adapt the START (STrategies for RelaTives) intervention for family caregivers in Macedonia.
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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:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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