Dementia Researcher Blogs – Details, episodes & analysis

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this blog, Sam provides practical advice for PhD students and postdocs attending conferences alone, especially overseas. Sam shares his personal experience, acknowledging that while solo travel can seem daunting, it offers significant personal and professional growth opportunities. He gives key tips, such as preparing thoroughly for the trip to reduce anxiety, obtaining an e-SIM to stay connected, using long-haul flights as a chance to relax, arriving early to explore the area, and making efforts to network at the event. Ultimately, he emphasises that solo travel can be a rewarding and empowering experience.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-flying-solo-to-an-international-conference-a-survival-guide/

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Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials Research Fellow at University of Birmingham. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney.

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

Yvonne’s blog, tackles the pervasive issue of academic bullying, exploring how power imbalances and toxic behaviours are often overlooked in academia. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from experts, the blog explores the subtle and overt forms of bullying that thrive in hierarchical environments. Yvonne challenges the culture that permits such behaviour and offers reflections on how systemic change, especially in leadership and mentorship, is essential for a healthier academic workplace.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-open-secret-a-piece-on-academic-bullying/

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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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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

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Clíona discusses the importance of understanding your audience in effective science communication. She emphasises that communicating scientific research requires tailoring the content and presentation style to different audiences, whether they are laypeople, students, or individuals with specific needs. Through various examples from her experiences, she highlights the importance of engaging the audience by relating scientific findings to broader, more relatable contexts and ensuring accessibility in both language and format. This blog underscores the significance of being well-prepared, respectful, and aware of current developments in the field to facilitate meaningful engagement and avoid alienating the audience. Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-communicating-your-science-effectively-know-your-audience/

#DementiaResearch #DownSyndrome #ScienceCommunications

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Dr Clíona Farrell is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London. Her work focuses on understanding neuroinflammation in Down syndrome, both prior to, and in response to, Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Clíona completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience in Trinity College, and then worked as a research assistant in the Royal College of Surgeons studying ALS and Parkinson’s disease. She also knows the secret behind scopping the perfect 99 ice-cream cone. @ClionaFarrell_ --

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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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

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Explore the crucial intersection of economics and dementia in Hannah's insightful blog, "The Economics of Dementia." As a PhD student at The University of Sheffield, Hannah explores the escalating costs associated with dementia in the UK, projected to soar from £25 billion in 2021 to an astonishing £47 billion by 2050.

This blog goes beyond mere statistics, offering a comprehensive understanding of what these figures truly represent. Hannah unpacks the complexity of both direct and indirect costs linked to dementia, from healthcare expenses to the often-overlooked impact on caregivers and society at large. With a focus on current government spending, the role of research and innovation, and the future outlook, this blog is a must-read for anyone interested in the economic implications of dementia on individuals, the NHS, and the broader society. This blog illuminates the path towards better resource allocation, policy development, and ultimately, improved quality of life for those affected by dementia.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-economics-of-dementia/

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Hannah Hussain is a PhD Student in Health Economics at The University of Sheffield. As a proud third generation  migrant and British-Asian, her career path has been linear and ever evolving, originally qualifying as a Pharmacist in Nottingham, then Health Economics in Birmingham. Her studies have opened a world into Psychology, Mental Health and other areas of health, and with that and personal influences she found her passion for dementia.

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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.

Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk

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Follow us on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/

https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/

https://twitter.com/demrescommunity

https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

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

Experience the magic of neuroscience this holiday season with Rebecca's blog. In a heartwarming tale set against the backdrop of Christmas morning, discover the fascinating world of Magnetoencephalography, or MEG, as it unveils the secrets of the brain's inner workings. Join the journey as Rebecca takes you through the challenges and wonders of neuroscience, where magnetic fields, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), and optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are the stars of the show. While Santa may not be delivering a million-pound MEG scanner down the chimney, OPMs offer a promising future, bringing us one step closer to understanding the brain's mysteries with their portability and sensitivity. This holiday season, unwrap the gift of knowledge and explore the exciting possibilities of neuroimaging. MEGry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-megry-christmas-to-all/

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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.

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this blog, Connor shares his eventful year in dementia research at Newcastle. Highlighting his professional journey, he reflects on securing an NIHR Fellowship, contributing to important publications, and engaging in global conferences like #AAIC23 in Amsterdam. Amidst these achievements, Connor also opens up about personal challenges, from an unsuccessful promotion bid to adapting to changes in his mentorship and personal life. His honest account provides a rare glimpse into the highs and lows of a researcher's life, illustrating resilience and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. Join Connor as he navigates the intricate balance between career success and personal setbacks in the dynamic field of dementia research.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-2023-unfiltered-an-honest-diary-of-a-researcher/

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Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate (soon to be NIHR Research Fellow) in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s.

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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.

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

Jodi shares personal experiences and practical advice on navigating the holiday season after a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Reflecting on cherished traditions with their gran in Scotland, Jodi highlights the profound impact of dementia on family celebrations. They offer thoughtful strategies to adapt and maintain holiday joy, emphasising the importance of simplicity, flexibility, and inclusivity. Jodi's journey through changing holiday landscapes with their gran offers guidance, hope and support for those facing similar challenges.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-navigating-the-holidays-after-a-relative-is-diagnosed-with-dementia/

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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.

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Clarissa invites listeners into a world of festive tranquility and thoughtful retrospection. She beautifully intertwines her personal experiences, from decorating with Manchester Christmas Markets mugs to recalling her extensive travels and professional accomplishments. Clarissa's narrative transcends the ordinary, detailing her adventures in global research collaborations and her academic ventures, including the creation of a unique board game. As she reflects on the bustling year, filled with both successes and challenges, she emphasises the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the journey and the lessons learned. The blog is not just a recount of the past year’s achievements and travels; it's an inspiring message to embrace the festive season's calm, indulge in Christmas biscuits, and look forward to the promising horizons of 2024. Clarissa's blend of professional insight and personal anecdotes culminates in a warm, festive greeting, encouraging readers to celebrate their own achievements and anticipate the new year with hope and excitement.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-christmas-a-time-for-reflection-and-getting-excited-about-2024/

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Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist.

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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 

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.

Beth Eyre narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Beth reflects on her nearly one-year experience as a post-doc, highlighting the lack of control in research projects, the significant responsibilities of the role, the never-ending tasks, the importance of time management, and the constant uncertainty of what's next in an academic career.... Sound familiar? She acknowledges the dynamic nature of science and the need to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances, ultimately emphasising the uniqueness of each individual's journey in academia.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-reflections-on-my-kind-of-first-year-as-a-post-doc/

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Dr (pending minor amendments) Beth Eyre is a Postdoctoral Researcher at The University of Sheffield, researching Neurovascular and cognitive function in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease. Beth has a background in psychology, where she gained her degree from the University of Leeds. Inside and outside the lab, Beth loves sharing her science and in her blogs, she discusses her work, career and shares lessons she learns as she navigates life as an early career researcher.

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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. Enjoy listening? We're always on the look out for new contributors, if you would like to write and narrate your own blog - drop us a line dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk. 

Don't forget to also listen to our fortnightly podcast, just look for Dementia Researcher in your podcast app.

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

In her blog, Yvonne tackles the issue of academic burnout, drawing from her personal experiences and insights from the podcast 'No Stupid Questions'. She discusses her own misconceptions about burnout, initially viewing it as extreme exhaustion, and discovers her potential vulnerability to it through self-assessment and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Her exploration reveals that burnout in academia often stems from institutional deficits rather than personal circumstances, highlighting the importance of organisational support and recognition in combating this growing issue among academics.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-frazzled-brains-academic-burnout/

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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.