Dementia Researcher Blogs

Aygun Badalova - Life Inside a Dementia Clinical Trial

Aygun Badalova narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this moving reflection, Aygun Badalova shares her experience working inside a dementia clinical trial at UCL. She explores the human side of research, where every test and data point represents real people, families, and moments of connection. From the challenges of recruitment and paperwork to the deeply emotional encounters with participants and their loved ones, Aygun shows that dementia research is about dignity, relationships, and hope as much as science.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://communities.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/c/research-chat/life-inside-a-dementia-clinical-trial-b45aab0f-0377-4963-aaaa-32fd05ed0579
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Aygun Badalova is a PhD student at the Institute of Neurology, University College London, funded by NIHR. Her research focuses on developing Digital Interventions in Neuro-Rehabilitation (DINR) for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including work on the Gotcha! name retrieval therapy app to help people with dementia remember familiar names. Alongside her research, Aygun is involved in clinical work at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She’s driven by curiosity about why some people forget while others don’t, and outside the lab she enjoys meditation and travelling to Greece.
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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 Donald Lyall - What Adrian Newey Can Teach Dementia Researchers

Dr Donald Lyall narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this guest blog, Donald draws lessons from legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey and the Race Against Dementia summit. Reflecting on Newey’s philosophy of learning from failure, teamwork, data integrity, and time for focused thought, Lyall shows how these principles can inform dementia research. By connecting motorsport precision with scientific collaboration, he highlights how structured creativity and belief in the mission can accelerate progress in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-lessons-from-the-pit-lane-what-adrian-newey-can-teach-dementia-researchers/
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Dr Donald Lyall is a senior lecturer in Population Brain Health at the University of Glasgow. His research investigates the predictors, mediators and moderators of cognitive impairment in older age, including neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. Donald’s staff page is here. The first Formula 1 Grand Prix he watched was the 1999 Japanese Grand Prix, which was won by Mika Hakkinen in a McLaren MP4-14, designed by a team led by…Adrian Newey.
Find Donald on LinkedIn
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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 Kamar Ameen-Ali - Making the most of my sabbatical

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Kam reflects on her recent academic sabbatical and what it taught her about the shifting demands of university life. She explores how increasing administrative and teaching duties have transformed the traditional idea of a sabbatical from a period of rest into a vital opportunity to rescue research time. Kamar shares what she achieved, what she learned about productivity and burnout, and how the experience made her rethink what it means to take a break in academia.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-making-the-most-of-my-sabbatical/
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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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Dr Yvonne Couch - Running a Conference

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Yvonne reflects on the real experience of running a scientific conference—from forgotten sponsor needs to malfunctioning microphones and missing PowerPoints. With humour and honesty, she recounts the unpredictable tasks that continue long after the planning ends. Her candid insights capture the chaos, exhaustion, and eventual pride that come with pulling off a successful academic event.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-running-a-conference/
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Dr Yvonne Couch is a Research 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.
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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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Bernie McInally - Research and the Lone Worker

Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Bernie reflects on the often-overlooked area of lone worker safety in research. Drawing on 25 years of experience as a Community Psychiatric Nurse and Clinical Studies Officer, he explores the evolution of safety systems — from pegboards and coded texts to modern digital tools. The blog examines the evidence behind “Bring Your Own Device” policies, showing how familiarity, simplicity, and trust can make lone worker procedures safer, more efficient, and better aligned with real-world practice.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-research-and-the-lone-worker/
 
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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.
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Denise Grassick-Munro - How carers can help research

Denise Grassick-Munro, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Carers’ lived experience provides unique insights that help shape dementia research and ensure studies stay relevant to real life. Denise Grassick-Munro explores how carers contribute through Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), supporting everything from clinical trials to co-designing resources. Their expertise enhances understanding, communication, and impact, bridging the gap between science and daily care. Carers and researchers working together create more compassionate, effective, and practical research outcomes.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-carers-can-help-research/--
 
Denise Grassick-Munro is Patient and Public Engagement Officer for the NRS Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network in Scotland. She works to ensure people with lived experience shape dementia and neuroprogressive research. With a background in psychology and science communication, Denise is passionate about collaboration and inclusive research. Outside work, she enjoys music, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Find Denise on LinkedIn
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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 Becky Carlyle - From Draft to Dialogue: Fellowship Writing & Interview Tips

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Becky reflects on her experiences with fellowship applications, offering advice on writing, feedback, interviews, and resilience. She highlights the importance of engaging a broad audience, listening to feedback, and preparing a clear, focused interview presentation. With lessons drawn from both success and rejection, she encourages applicants to seek support, demonstrate independence, and approach the process with persistence.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-fellowship-writing-interview-tips/--
 
Dr Becky Carlyle is an Alzheimer's Research UK Senior Research Fellow at University of Oxford, and has previously worked in the USA. Becky writes about her experiences of starting up a research lab and progressing into a more senior research role. Becky's research uses mass-spectrometry to quantify thousands of proteins in the brains and biofluids of people with dementia. Her lab is working on various projects, including work to compare brain tissue from people with dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease, to tissue from people who have similar levels of Alzheimer’s Disease pathology but no memory problems. Becky is also a mum, she runs, drinks herbal tea's and reads lots of books. Find Becky on LinkedIn
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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 - Uncertainty: Academia’s Drive & Downfall

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Rebecca Williams reflects on her transition from an internship in government to the uncertain world of academia. She contrasts the stability and structured career path offered by government roles with the instability and unpredictability of academic life. Yet, she reveals how uncertainty fuels her motivation, excites her imagination, and shapes her future. This blog captures the tension between fear and opportunity, offering an honest reflection on how uncertainty both drives and challenges those in research.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-uncertainty-academias-drive-downfall/--
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 Jodi Watt - Navigating Digital Fatigue and Techno-Resistance

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Jodi reflects on digital fatigue and techno-resistance in dementia research. She explores both researcher and participant perspectives, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges of constant screen use and emerging technologies such as AI. Jodi shares practical tips for more inclusive practice, from offering alternatives to online participation to valuing human-centred approaches.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-navigating-digital-fatigue-and-techno-resistance/
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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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