Dementia Researcher Blogs Dementia Researcher

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Sam discusses the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing dementia research. He highlights AI's capability to rapidly analyse vast datasets, which is crucial given the pressing time constraints in dementia research, where every three seconds someone develops dementia. The blog details how machine learning algorithms can efficiently identify potential new therapeutic targets by analysing proteomic data from dementia patients. This leads Sam to exploring the potential for AI in assessing the potential of repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic uses, which could expedite clinical trials and approval processes. Sam emphasises the ethical considerations essential in employing AI, particularly in handling sensitive health data, ensuring patient confidentiality, and maintaining informed consent. Could AI unlock the key to new treatments?
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-enhancing-dementia-drug-discovery-with-ai/
--
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.
--
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.
--
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

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
Jodi discusses the environmental impact of academic practices, particularly focusing on the carbon footprint associated with conference travel and the publishing industry's dual role in environmental science and unsustainable practices. Jodi reflects on personal experiences and dilemmas as an early career researcher, weighing the benefits of international collaboration against its environmental costs. Cutting to the chase... Jodi calls for a collective push towards more sustainable practices within academia, suggesting that while individual actions might seem limited in scope, they are part of a broader movement necessary for significant change.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-should-i-consider-my-environmental-impact-in-academia/
#Environment
--
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.
--
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

Anika Wuestefeld narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.












Anika's blog is a vital resource for early-career dementia researchers navigating the complexities of grant writing. It offers practical advice, from selecting the right grants to apply for, to crafting a compelling application that meets formatting and content expectations. It also highlights useful resources like the ISTAART Guide to Grants and relevant podcasts, making it an indispensable guide for those new to the research funding process.












Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-building-a-successful-grant-application/
--
Anika Wuestefeld is a PhD Student at Lund University, she also works as part of the ISTAART PEERs PIA European working group and the Interdem Academy. Anika's research explores the nuances of both aging and Alzheimer's disease, using multimodal methods, such as various modalities of in-vivo and ex-vivo magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and fluid biomarkers. @WuestefeldAnika
--
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

Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.












Sara shares her thoughts on last months AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference. This hybrid event, designed to bridge local and global scientific communities, has successfully showcased emerging talent in Alzheimer’s and dementia research over the past four years. Focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, the conference offers free participation and features multiple hubs worldwide, including Brazil, San Francisco, India, Ireland, Ethiopia, Serbia, and Chicago. It combines live and virtual elements to facilitate broad engagement, emphasising opportunities for early-career researchers. The event's innovative format not only promotes knowledge exchange across continents but also supports economic activities in host locations, thereby broadening the conference's impact beyond the academic sphere.
To express an interest in hosting a hybrid hub in 2025, make sure to submit your application.












Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-a-look-inside-aaic-neuroscience-next/
--
Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi is a PhD Student at the Sant Pau Memory Unit – Neuroimaging Core and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Originally from New Zealand, Sára's current work focusses on neuroimaging of small vessel disease in Down Syndrome. In previous roles she has worked on healthy brain aging and meditation, and is currently an ISTAART Ambassador.
--
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

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Emily is writing about her experience of navigating the complexities of starting a family while forging an academic career. In this blog Emily reflects on her personal experiences and the unexpected openness about family planning that followed her announcement of having a baby. She explores the broader challenges faced by academics, particularly women, who must balance short-term contracts and uncertain job security with the desire to expand their families. Emily's blog highlights the additional planning and sacrifices required in academia compared to other professions and calls for systemic changes to support academics in their family planning decisions.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-illusion-of-choice-when-starting-a-family/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research
--
Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.
--
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

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Connor reflects on the latest advancements in dementia research, focusing on cognitive reserve and resilience. Connor revisits seminal papers and discussions from a recent webinar moderated by Harriet Demnitz-King of University College London, highlighting the complexities of defining and measuring cognitive reserve. The discussions explored various theories and mechanisms such as Brain Maintenance and Brain Reserve, with a particular emphasis on resilience in maintaining cognitive functions despite aging and disease. Key findings from the year include the role of astrocyte reactivity in Alzheimer's disease and the protective influence of educational attainment on dementia, showcasing both new insights and persistent challenges in the field. The review underscores ongoing debates and the introduction of novel approaches in studying cognitive decline, suggesting a promising direction for future research.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-reserve-resilience-protective-factors-pia-year-in-review-recap/
Don’t forget, you can get involved in the RRPF PIA by joining ISTAART and get access to previous webinars!
--
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.
--
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