Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Adam reflects on Terry Pratchett Day by considering TP’s public response to posterior cortical atrophy, his ability to explain dementia with clarity, and his willingness to speak about choice at the end of life. The blog connects Pratchett’s advocacy with dementia research, where technical language can make lived experience feel distant.

https://communities.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/c/research-chat/terry-pratchett-day-fb9c96f9-06fe-4a12-afe4-b21656a632a3

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Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.

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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 narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Bernie charts the shift from disconnected systems to a more visible and coordinated approach to care home research in Scotland. Drawing on his experience with ENRICH Scotland, he explains how improving digital visibility has created a clear entry point for care homes, researchers and partners. The blog highlights the importance of collaboration, avoiding fragmented engagement, and recognising care homes as active partners in research. It also looks ahead, suggesting the next phase is about strengthening relationships and ensuring research remains accessible, relevant and easy to engage with.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-making-care-home-research-visible/

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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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Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
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Kirsty Hynes narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this second instalment, Ajantha shifts focus from preparing for PhD applications to one of the most critical decisions in the process: choosing the right lab and supervisor. He walks through how to search effectively, what to look for when assessing potential environments, and how to approach academics with well-structured, thoughtful emails. The blog balances practical advice with honest reflection on supervision styles, lab culture, and long-term career impact, offering a clear framework for making a well-informed choice.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-no-care-homes-left-out-in-dementia-research/

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Kirsty Hynes is a Clinical Studies Officer with ENRICH, part of the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, supporting care homes to take part in research. She trained as a mental health nurse at Robert Gordon University and spent nine years working in a secure unit before moving into research. Her work focuses on neurodegeneration and improving access to meaningful research opportunities for care home residents and staff. Kirsty is passionate about making research inclusive and practical, and enjoys running and home projects in her spare time.

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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.

--

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
• https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Download and Register with our Community App:

https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher