Dementia Researcher

Grant rejection is part of every researcher’s journey — and it never stops, no matter your career stage. In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Fiona McLean (Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow at the University of Dundee, studying links between metabolic syndrome, learning and memory) speaks with: -- Dr Sarah Marzi — Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and UK DRI group leader, researching the epigenome in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Kate Harris — Research Fellow at Newcastle University, soon to be Senior Lecturer, specialising in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly — UK DRI Future Leader Fellow and group leader at Cardiff University, focusing on synaptic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. Together they share personal experiences of failed applications, from crushing first rejections to the resilience that comes with time, blending honest stories with practical strategies. -- In this episode:

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) day two and day three of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July. -- Dr Shea Andrews, Assistant Professor at University of California San Francisco hosts the show with special guests: Dr Joe Butler, NIHR ARC Research Fellow at University of Sunderland Dr Lindsey Sinclair, Clinical Research Fellow & Consultant in Old Age Psychiatrist at University of Bristol Dr Harriet Demnitz-King, Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London -- The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. Main plenary talks from the day came from Professor Sharon Naismith from University of Syd

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) day two and day three of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July. -- Dr Connor Richardson, NIHR / Alzheimer's Society Dem Comm Research Fellow from University of Newcastle hosts the show with special guests: Sára Zsadányi, PhD Student at Sant Pau Memory Unit – Neuroimaging Core and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Dr Tatiana Giovannucci, Alzheimer's Association Research Fellow Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer's Society The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. -- Main plenary talks from the day came from Professor Inhee Mook-Jung Seoul National Universi

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) first and second day of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July. -- Dr James Brady, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Tasmania hosts the show with special guests: Dr Lucy Stirland, Academic Old Age Psychiatrist at The University of Edinburgh Dr Isabel Castanho, Instructor at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School Felix Wittmann, Research Fellow & PhD candidate at Leipzig University -- The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. Main plenary talks from the day came from Professor Katerina Akassoglou, University of California, San Francis

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) pre-conference and first day of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July. -- Dr Tamlyn Watermeyer hosts the show with special guests: Dr Emily Ho, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Dr Laura Stankeviciute, Postdoctoral Researcher & Scientific Project Manager at University of Gothenburg Joseph Russell, NIHR Research Assistant at Northumbria University -- The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. Main plenary talk from the day came from Sylvia Villeneuve, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry — McGill University, Canada talk about Biomarker and Clinical Tra

Welcome to the sixth season of the Dementia Researcher X ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast. This series features interviews with ISTAART PIA committee members talking about their research, the research landscape of their fields, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this Relay Podcast episode, Dr Colin Groot interviews Dr Marta Del Campo, Head Fluid Biomarker Facility; Ramón y Cajal Research fellow at BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center and chair of the ISTAART Biofluid Based Biomarkers PIA. Together, they talk about recent advances in fluid biomarkers in dementia research, and explore the growing role of plasma biomarkers, integration with clinical trials, challenges with reproducibility and diversity, and the promise of proteomics and AI. Marta also reflects on the work of ISTAART, their p

Welcome to the sixth season of the Dementia Researcher X ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast. This series features interviews with ISTAART PIA committee members talking about their research, the research landscape of their fields, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this episode, Professor Owen Carmichael talks with Dr Shana Stites, Assistant Professor at University of Pennsylvania and Chair of the ISTAART Diversity and Disparities PIA. In this discussion they explore the importance of inclusive participation in dementia research, the challenges of equitable access to research and care, and the shift toward more community-engaged approaches. The conversation highlights barriers like limited access to healthcare, the ethics of stipends, and the value of transparency, reciprocity, and represen

Welcome to the sixth season of the Dementia Researcher X ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast. This series features interviews with ISTAART PIA committee members talking about their research, the research landscape of their fields, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this episode, Professor Natalie Phillips interviews Professor Owen Carmichael, Director of Biomedical Imaging at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and incoming chair of the iSTAART Nutrition, Metabolism, and Dementia PIA. Owen shares his journey from computer science to neuroscience, and how his imaging work investigates how diet and metabolism shape dementia risk. They explore the promise of precision nutrition, the challenges of studying lifelong dietary exposure, and the vital role of olfaction and sensory health in nutrit

Welcome to the sixth season of the Dementia Researcher X ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast. This series features interviews with ISTAART PIA committee members talking about their research, the research landscape of their fields, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this episode, Dr Marta del Campo interviews Natalie Phillips, Chair of the Sensory Health and Cognition PIA and Professor of Psychology at Concordia University. Together, they discuss the role of hearing, vision, and olfaction in cognitive ageing and dementia risk. They explore mechanisms behind these links, from cognitive load to social isolation, and discuss emerging biomarker research, challenges in clinical implementation, and how this new ISTAART PIA is fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The episode also previews upc

Welcome to the sixth season of the Dementia Researcher X ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast. This series features interviews with ISTAART PIA committee members talking about their research, the research landscape of their fields, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this Relay Podcast episode, Dr Colin Groot interviews Dr Marta Del Campo, Head Fluid Biomarker Facility; Ramón y Cajal Research fellow at BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center and chair of the ISTAART Biofluid Based Biomarkers PIA. Together, they talk about recent advances in fluid biomarkers in dementia research, and explore the growing role of plasma biomarkers, integration with clinical trials, challenges with reproducibility and diversity, and the promise of proteomics and AI. Marta also reflects on the work of ISTAART, their p

Welcome to the sixth season of the Dementia Researcher X ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast. This series features interviews with ISTAART PIA committee members talking about their research, the research landscape of their fields, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this episode, Dr Alexa Pichet-Binette interviews Dr Colin Groot, an expert in neuroimaging and atypical Alzheimer's disease from Amsterdam University Medical Centre. They discuss the clinical and biological diversity within atypical variants such as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), language and behavioural forms, and CBSAD. Colin shares insights into ongoing studies on tau PET, mortality, subtyping PCA, and how ISTAART’s Atypical PIA is pushing forward international collaboration and inclusivity in clinical trials and diagnostic

In this special episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is joined by Dr Ahmad Khundakar (Teesside University), Anna Wilson (South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), and Professor Mani Santhana Krishnan (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) to explore the complex and often misunderstood relationship between delirium and dementia. The conversation examines how these conditions overlap, why they’re frequently confused, and the consequences of misdiagnosis, particularly in hospital and care settings. Drawing on academic research, clinical practice, and personal experience, the guests discuss how delirium presents, the tools used to detect it, and what needs to change to improve care and outcomes. Listen to this podcast to learn about subtypes like hypoactive delirium, hear real-world examples of how family involvement can make a difference, and discover why non-drug interventions are so important. This episode is an essential listen for anyone working in dementia care or re

The Minds in Motion Podcast from Dementia Researcher in association with the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations and Alzheimer’s Society, brings together NIHR Dem Comm Research Fellows, to talk about their research and careers. In this final episode of the current series, Trevor Salomon is joined by Dr Pippa Collins from the University of Southampton to interview Dr Sarah Kate Smith. Sarah is based at The University of Manchester and NIHR ARC Greater Manchester, and is an NIHR and Alzheimer’s Society Demm Comm Fellow. Her work focuses on brain health and dementia prevention, particularly examining how physical activity in midlife could reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. With a background in psychology and a PhD in health services research, Sarah brings expertise in creative and inclusive research methodologies that enable the involvement of people living with dementia and their families. In this conversation, we explore the challenges of dementia prevention research, how risk reduction

In this podcast, host Dr Amanda Heslegrave explores the rapidly evolving field of blood-based biomarkers in dementia research. These biomarkers offer exciting potential for quicker, more accessible dementia diagnosis, raising crucial questions about clinical readiness and implementation. -- Amanda is joined by two expert guests: Dr Jay Amin, University of Southampton – A clinician specialising in dementia, researching inflammation and immune biomarkers, particularly focused on diagnostics and prognosis. Dr Mark Roskey, Quanterix – Senior VP involved in developing ultra-sensitive biomarker detection technologies crucial for dementia research. Together, they discuss current developments, practical hurdles, ethical considerations, and future prospects of blood-based biomarkers, sharing perspectives from clinical, research, and industry viewpoints. -- Topics Covered:

The Minds in Motion Podcast from Dementia Researcher in association with the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations and Alzheimer’s Society, brings together NIHR Dem Comm Research Fellows, to talk about their research and careers. Over the next few months, we will be releasing the second series, hearing from five of the Dem Comm Fellows each taking e a turn as co-host and guest. Alongside the researchers we have the incredible Trevor Salomon, Alzheimer’s Society Volunteer & Chair of the European Dementia Carers Working Group as our permanent co-host and anchor. -- In show Trevor is joined by Dr Katie Breheny from Bristol University and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West to interview Dr Pippa Collins. Pippa Collins is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow based at the University of Southampton and NIHR ARC Wessex. Her research primarily addresses the critical aspects of end-of-life care, frailty, and dementia. In this discussion, we explore her work a

Recorded live at the BNA 2025 Festival of Neuroscience, this special episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast explores how researchers can build visibility in authentic and meaningful ways. Host Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University is joined by Dr Ian Harrison from University College London, Dr Ekta Patel from the Medicines Discovery Catapult and Professor Fiona Ducotterd from the ARUK Drug Discovery Institute at UCL. They provide practical and personal discussion on raising your academic profile — both online and in real life. Together, they reflect on the challenges and benefits of self-promotion, share strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, and offer advice on making the most of networking opportunities. They also talk about the power of storytelling, volunteering, and showing up as your real self in academic spaces. Whether you're just getting started or trying to take the next step in your career, this episode offers relatable insights and actionable tips. -- Top Takeaways: ✍️ Start small — wr

In this podcast, host Dr Anna Volkmer explores the use of Lego Serious Play as a research tool / methodology in dementia and neurodegenerative disease studies. Traditionally used in therapy and organisational development, Lego Serious Play is now finding its way into the research world—helping researchers, participants, and stakeholders express complex ideas, foster collaboration, and build deeper insights (literally and metaphorically). Anna is joined by a panel of expert guests: Dr Warren Donnellan, University of Liverpool – a trained facilitator of Lego Serious Play who applies it to resilience and carer research. Dr Alys Griffiths, University of Sheffield – who has integrated the method into dementia studies and her work in Motor Neuron Disease. Dr Joe Langley, Sheffield Hallam University – known for combining design thinking and participatory research methods, including Lego Serious Play, in health and care settings. Together, they explore the origins, applications, and benefits of this playful meth

This year's AD/PD Conference was held in Vienna, Austria from the 1st to 5th April. In this second of a two-part special we bring you highlights from the last three days of the conference. The AD/PD Conference focuses on basic science and translational and clinical research bringing New insights on disease mechanisms and etiologies, the latest findings from clinical trials, innovative outlooks on therapy and prevention and advances in diagnostic markers. In this special on-location recording our guest host Dr Isabel Castanho, Instructor the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School talks with: Dr Emma Garland, Research Associate at The University of Sheffield. An early career researcher with a focus on Alzheimer’s, and an interest in protein pathogenesis, iPSC culture and inflammation in neurodegenerative disease. Susan Rohde, PhD Student at UMC Amsterdam. Susan is a Neurobiologist interested in (healthy) brain aging and related diseases, and currently work on the Dutch 100 Plus

This year's AD/PD Conference was held in Vienna, Austria from the 1st to 5th April. In this first of a two-part special we bring you highlights from the first three days of the conference. The AD/PD Conference focuses on basic science and translational and clinical research bringing New insights on disease mechanisms and etiologies, the latest findings from clinical trials, innovative outlooks on therapy and prevention and advances in diagnostic markers. In this special on-location recording our guest host Dr Amanda Heslegrave, Principle Investigator and Co-Lead of fluid biomarker laboratory from the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London talks with: Dr Loukia Katsouri, Senior Research Fellow at the UCL Gatsby Foundation. Loukia studies the molecular mechanisms of tau propagation in Alzheimer’s disease. She aims to understand how the presence of tau is affecting the spread and the severity of the disease. Dr Anna Mallach, Research Fellow in the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperi

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Sam Moxon is joined by Dr Adam Schuller, Dr Savannah Rocha-Wrigley, and Megan Hager from Colorado State University's Tjalkens Lab to explore the significant yet often overlooked impact of environmental toxins on dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. This fascinating discussion sheds light on how substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, wildfire smoke, and air pollution can trigger changes in glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, which may lead to dementia. The experts share insights into groundbreaking experimental models, imaging technologies, and the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies to reduce toxin-related risks. -- Key Topics: