Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dementia Researcher
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The Dementia Researcher Blogs Podcasts - through this show, you can hear our bloggers read their blogs. So if you prefer to read, you can head or our website or you can listen on the move. These shows are about academic / research careers, research, science and life as an early career dementia researchers. Brought to you by https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk - everything you need, all in one place. Remember to subscribe to our main ‘Dementia Researcher‘ Podcast, here and where ever you get your podcasts.

  1. Dr Yvonne Couch - chatGPT in Academia

    4H AGO

    Dr Yvonne Couch - chatGPT in Academia

    Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT are rapidly becoming part of academic life. In this reflective blog, Yvonne considers how these tools are actually being used by researchers, from editing grant applications and shortening abstracts to drafting sections of proposals. She wrestles with the ethical tension between efficiency and learning, particularly for early career researchers who still need to develop strong writing skills. The blog also examines wider consequences, including increased grant submissions, potential growth in fraudulent papers, and the risk that productivity pressures may intensify rather than ease. At the same time, AI writing tools may help researchers who write in a second language feel more confident and successful. Rather than reaching a simple verdict, Couch concludes that the impact of ChatGPT depends on how responsibly academics choose to use it. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-chatgpt-in-academia/ -- 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. -- 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 Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    10 min
  2. Dr Sam Moxon - Real Food for Thought in the Fight Against Dementia

    1D AGO

    Dr Sam Moxon - Real Food for Thought in the Fight Against Dementia

    Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Sam reflects on emerging research suggesting that diet and lifestyle interventions may influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Inspired by work from Dean Ornish and discussions on the Dementia Researcher Food for Thought podcast, the article explores how a whole food plant based diet combined with exercise, meditation, and support groups produced measurable improvements in cognition and function among patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s. The results raise important questions about how lifestyle choices shape brain health and whether simple changes in how we live could slow disease progression. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-real-food-for-thought-in-the-fight-against-dementia/   -- 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 https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    5 min
  3. Rahul Sidhu - Imposter Syndrome

    4D AGO

    Rahul Sidhu - Imposter Syndrome

    Rahul Sidhu, narrating a new blog he wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Rahul reflects on his experience of imposter syndrome throughout his research career, from early lab work to PhD study. He describes the anxiety of feeling less capable than those around you, the pressure of comparisons within research groups, and the fear of asking questions or making mistakes. Rahul explains that these feelings are common in scientific careers and shares strategies that have helped him manage them, including focusing on growth rather than perfection, comparing progress only with your past self, asking for support from colleagues, taking action even when confidence is low, and practising self compassion. The blog offers reassurance that doubt does not mean you do not belong in science. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-imposter-syndrome/ -- ​Rahul Sidhu is a PhD student at The University of Sheffield, focusing on the effects of heart disease on dementia in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease. His research aims to uncover how cardiovascular health influences neurodegenerative conditions, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies.​ Find Rahul on LinkedIn -- 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 Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    8 min
  4. Dr Ajantha Abey - How I Came To Enjoy Public Speaking As An Introvert

    6D AGO

    Dr Ajantha Abey - How I Came To Enjoy Public Speaking As An Introvert

    Dr Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Ajantha shares how they went from being deeply uncomfortable speaking in front of others to actively enjoying giving talks about their research. Starting with childhood stage fright and a stutter, the story traces a gradual shift through unexpected leadership in university sport, repeated practice presenting research, and years of teaching neuroscience. Along the way, Ajantha explains how confidence grew not only from technical speaking skills but from developing expertise, finding supportive communities, and learning to communicate science clearly. The post offers encouragement for researchers who feel uneasy about public speaking, showing that improvement comes through practice, reflection, and experience over time. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-i-came-to-enjoy-public-speaking-as-an-introvert/ --   Dr Ajantha Abey is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Kavli Institute at University of Oxford. He is interested in the cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other diseases of the ageing brain. Previously, having previoulsy explored neuropathology in dogs with dementia and potential stem cell replacement therapies. He now uses induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons to try and model selective neuronal vulnerability: the phenomenon where some cells die but others remain resilient to neurodegenerative diseases. -- 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://twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    17 min
  5. Dr Peter Connelly - Two Worlds of Clinical Trials

    FEB 18

    Dr Peter Connelly - Two Worlds of Clinical Trials

    Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Peter compares academically led and commercially sponsored clinical trials, outlining how they differ in goals, recruitment expectations, intensity, monitoring and funding. Drawing on personal experience, he highlights unrealistic recruitment projections, contrasts study cultures, and reflects on the professional rewards and pressures associated with each model. The blog offers practical insight for clinicians considering participation in dementia research. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-two-worlds-of-clinical-trials/ -- Dr Peter Connelly is a retired Old Age Psychiatrist who spent much of his career in Tayside, helping to establish clinical trials for dementia and neuroprogressive disorders in Scotland. Now working with the Scottish Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, he combines professional insight with personal experience as a former carer. In retirement, he enjoys music, golf, and time with his grandchildren. -- 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 Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    8 min
  6. Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Supervision vs Mentorship

    FEB 17

    Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Supervision vs Mentorship

    Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Kam revisits a theme she first explored three years ago: the difference between supervision and mentorship in academia. Drawing on her journey to becoming a primary PhD supervisor, she explores structural barriers facing early career researchers, the funding realities that delay independence, and the risk of blurring mentoring with supervision. She argues that these are distinct roles requiring different skills and boundaries, and that separating them can better protect students and support openness, development, and academic progression. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-supervision-vs-mentorship/   -- 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. -- 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 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    6 min
  7. Dr Clíona Farrell - Returning to work after a travel-filled career break

    FEB 16

    Dr Clíona Farrell - Returning to work after a travel-filled career break

    Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. After finishing her PhD and a short postdoc extension, Clíona took a five month career break to travel across Asia before starting a new postdoctoral role at UCL. In this blog, she reflects on the emotional and practical challenges of stepping away from academia, the privilege and uncertainty of taking time out, and what it feels like to return refreshed to a new lab, new techniques, and a genuine fresh start. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-returning-to-work-after-a-travel-filled-career-break/ -- 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. -- 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 Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    6 min
  8. Emily Spencer - Learning to Let Good Be Enough

    FEB 11

    Emily Spencer - Learning to Let Good Be Enough

    Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Emily reflects on a lifelong struggle with perfectionism and how it shapes her learning, work, and wellbeing. Through personal stories spanning school, sport, previous employment, and her PhD, she explores the tension between striving for high standards and recognising when doing less may actually be the wiser and healthier choice. As she approaches the final months of her doctorate, Emily considers how redefining success might allow her to protect her wellbeing while still producing meaningful, high quality research. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-learning-to-let-good-be-enough/ #DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia -- 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://x.com/demrescommunity https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher Join our community: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    6 min
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About

The Dementia Researcher Blogs Podcasts - through this show, you can hear our bloggers read their blogs. So if you prefer to read, you can head or our website or you can listen on the move. These shows are about academic / research careers, research, science and life as an early career dementia researchers. Brought to you by https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk - everything you need, all in one place. Remember to subscribe to our main ‘Dementia Researcher‘ Podcast, here and where ever you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Dementia Researcher
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    670
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Dementia Researcher Blogs