Épisodes

  • Dr Becky Carlyle - Managing the Endless Demands of an Academic Career
    Sep 2 2025

    Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Becky explores the constant pressures of academia and the impossibility of “having it all.” Drawing on her experiences in both the UK and US, as well as lessons learned from elite sport, she discusses how setting clear long-term goals, building flexibility into plans, and learning when to say no are essential skills. She highlights the value of mentors, conscious decision making, and tailoring priorities to career stage and local context.

    Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-managing-the-endless-demands-of-an-academic-career/ --

    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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    9 min
  • Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Delirium and dementia: A neglected area of research?
    Sep 1 2025

    Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

    In this blog, Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali explains the differences between delirium and dementia, while highlighting their complex relationship. She shows how delirium, often misdiagnosed, not only worsens dementia symptoms but can also accelerate diagnosis in those already at risk. With high prevalence in hospitals and care homes, and the treatable nature of delirium, Kam makes the case for why delirium superimposed on dementia deserves more attention from researchers and healthcare professionals.

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

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-delirium-and-dementia-a-neglected-area-of-research/

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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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    7 min
  • Dr Yvonne Couch - Organizing a Conference
    Aug 28 2025

    Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Dr Yvonne Couch takes readers behind the scenes of organising the 7th Pre-Clinical Stroke Conference in Oxford. She shares the challenges of finding funding, juggling logistics, and managing endless details, while also highlighting moments of creativity and fun. With practical advice on sponsors, registration, talks, and the importance of injecting some light-hearted elements, the piece offers an engaging, honest reflection on the realities of academic conference organisation.

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

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-organizing-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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    • https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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    10 min
  • Rebecca Williams - Career Decisions in Academia
    Aug 28 2025

    Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Rebecca Williams challenges the idea of a single 'right' or 'wrong' career path in academia. Drawing from her own experience and her mother’s varied journey, she argues that every choice adds value, even if it feels like a detour. Rebecca encourages early career researchers to embrace uncertainty, see each step as part of a broader story, and focus less on optimisation and more on enjoyment of the path ahead. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-career-decisions-in-academia/ --

    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.

    --

    Follow us on Social Media:

    • https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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    5 min
  • Jacqui Kerr - The role of a Research Nurse in Dementia trials
    Aug 26 2025

    Jacqui Kerr narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

    In this blog, Jacqui Kerr reflects on her career as a research nurse in dementia trials. She explains how the role bridges patient care and clinical research, from pre-screening and informed consent to administering study treatments and cognitive assessments. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Jacqui highlights the importance of maintaining data integrity, building relationships with participants, and supporting them and their families. Her account shows how research nurses bring both skill and compassion to advancing dementia science.

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

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-role-of-a-research-nurse-in-dementia-trials/

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    Jacqueline Kerr is the Network Manager for the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. With a background in research management and public engagement, she is dedicated to supporting clinical trials and improving access to research across the country. Jacqueline works closely with clinicians, researchers, and the public to raise awareness of dementia studies and encourage participation.

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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/
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    6 min
  • Dr Lindsey Sinclair - What does it mean to be Perfect?
    Aug 19 2025

    Dr Lindsey Sinclair narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

    In this blog, Lindsey reflects on the pressure researchers feel to strive for perfection in their work. Drawing parallels with Donald Winnicott’s “good enough” concept in parenting, she argues that the relentless pursuit of perfection can hinder progress, damage wellbeing, and leave work unfinished. Instead, she suggests focusing on excellence and recognising that imperfection is part of the scientific process, allowing for better balance and sustainability in research careers.

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

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-what-does-it-mean-to-be-perfect/

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    Dr Lindsey Sinclair is an Honorary Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Bristol and a Locum Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry. Her research explores the relationship between depression and dementia, combining lab work with epidemiology and genetics. Clinically, she works with older adults experiencing a wide range of mental health problems. Outside of work, she’s a keen baker and runner, and has a particular talent for creating ambitious birthday cakes.

    Find Lindsey 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.

    --

    Follow us on Social Media:

    • https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
    • https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
    • https://x.com/demrescommunity
    • https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
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    4 min
  • Lesley Cousland - A Career from Nursing to Research
    Aug 18 2025

    Lesley Cousland, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Lesley reflects on her journey from a childhood dream of nursing to a career in dementia research. She describes her shift from general to mental health nursing, her early glimpse into research, and her current role as a Clinical Studies Officer with the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network. Lesley highlights the importance of inclusive research, the challenges and rewards of involving care homes, and the belief that research is ultimately about improving lives.

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

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-a-career-from-nursing-to-research/

    #DementiaResearch #ClinicalTrials #Research #CareHome #ENRICHScotland

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    Lesley Cousland is a Clinical Studies Officer with the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network and ENRICH Scotland. A retired mental health nurse with over 40 years’ experience, she now supports research in care homes, ensuring residents and staff help shape studies that matter to them.

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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
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    5 min
  • Dr Jodi Watt - The Myth of the Neutral Scientist
    Aug 14 2025

    Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Jodi examines the long-held belief that good science requires neutrality, questioning whether true objectivity is possible. Drawing on her work in dementia research, she reflects on how researchers inevitably bring their identities, experiences, and values into their work. Rather than seeing this as a threat to credibility, she argues for embracing reflexivity — recognising our positionality to ask better questions, address hidden biases, and strengthen research. For Jodi, humanity is not a weakness in science, but an essential part of doing it well.

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

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-myth-of-the-neutral-scientist/

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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.

    --

    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
    • https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
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    5 min