Dementia Researcher Blogs
Dementia Researcher blogs are written and then narrated by the authors. Through this podcast channel, we share the narrations, so you can listen back where ever you get your podcasts, as well as on our website - careers, research and your science. Brought to you by www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk - everything you need, all in one place.
Bernie McInally - Research and the Lone Worker
Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Bernie reflects on the often-overlooked area of lone worker safety in research. Drawing on 25 years of experience as a Community Psychiatric Nurse and Clinical Studies Officer, he explores the evolution of safety systems — from pegboards and coded texts to modern digital tools. The blog examines the evidence behind “Bring Your Own Device” policies, showing how familiarity, simplicity, and trust can make lone worker procedures safer, more efficient, and better aligned with real-world practice.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
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Denise Grassick-Munro - How carers can help research
Denise Grassick-Munro, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Carers’ lived experience provides unique insights that help shape dementia research and ensure studies stay relevant to real life. Denise Grassick-Munro explores how carers contribute through Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), supporting everything from clinical trials to co-designing resources. Their expertise enhances understanding, communication, and impact, bridging the gap between science and daily care. Carers and researchers working together create more compassionate, effective, and practical research outcomes.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac...Dr Becky Carlyle - From Draft to Dialogue: Fellowship Writing & Interview Tips
Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Becky reflects on her experiences with fellowship applications, offering advice on writing, feedback, interviews, and resilience. She highlights the importance of engaging a broad audience, listening to feedback, and preparing a clear, focused interview presentation. With lessons drawn from both success and rejection, she encourages applicants to seek support, demonstrate independence, and approach the process with persistence.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-fellowship-writing-interview-tips/--
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Rebecca Williams - Uncertainty: Academia’s Drive & Downfall
Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Rebecca Williams reflects on her transition from an internship in government to the uncertain world of academia. She contrasts the stability and structured career path offered by government roles with the instability and unpredictability of academic life. Yet, she reveals how uncertainty fuels her motivation, excites her imagination, and shapes her future. This blog captures the tension between fear and opportunity, offering an honest reflection on how uncertainty both drives and challenges those in research.Find the original text, and narration here...
Dr Jodi Watt - Navigating Digital Fatigue and Techno-Resistance
Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Jodi reflects on digital fatigue and techno-resistance in dementia research. She explores both researcher and participant perspectives, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges of constant screen use and emerging technologies such as AI. Jodi shares practical tips for more inclusive practice, from offering alternatives to online participation to valuing human-centred approaches.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-navigating-digital-fatigue-and-techno-resistance/
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Professor Naaheed Mukadam - Understanding Inequalities in Dementia
Professor Naaheed Mukadam, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Naaheed examines the many inequalities in dementia across age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, and other factors. She highlights how these inequalities affect prevention, diagnosis, and care, while also noting promising interventions that aim to close these gaps. The piece underscores the urgent need for fairer, more inclusive dementia services and research participation..
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-understanding-inequalities-in-dementia/
#DementiaResearch
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Adam Smith - The Perfect Study Playlist
Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Adam explores the link between music and focus, blending science with personal experience to create a reliable study playlist. He explains why lyrics distract, how tempo influences concentration, and the value of structure in building habits. His playlist, built around ambient piano, lo-fi instrumentals, and calming endings, has become a ritual that signals time to work. The blog encourages readers to experiment with sounds that suit their own study style.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
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Dr ClĂona Farrell - A World Alzheimer’s Day reflection
Dr ClĂona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this World Alzheimer’s Day blog, Dr ClĂona Farrell shares her reflections while on a career break from postdoctoral research. She considers both the progress and persistent challenges in the field of Alzheimer’s research, from genetic and lifestyle risk factors to the development of new treatments and biomarkers. While funding pressures and lack of diversity remain barriers, recent breakthroughs in therapies and diagnostics bring optimism. Her reflection highlights the importance of continued research, collaboration, and inclusivity in shaping a future where effective treatm...Emily Spencer - Rethinking Balance in Research
Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, PhD student Emily shares her reflections after attending the Alzheimer’s Society early career researcher retreat. She explores the myth of achieving perfect work-life balance, admitting how easily boundaries between research and personal life can blur. From compulsively checking emails to neglecting annual leave, Emily considers how fatigue and overcommitment distort priorities. She writes openly about the need to set limits, practise saying no, and protect wellbeing. With her supervisors’ encouragement, she has committed to taking her first family holiday and starting her fina...
Dr Emma Law - Recruiting Participants for Clinical Trials
Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Recruiting participants for clinical trials is one of the toughest barriers in research, particularly in dementia studies where strict inclusion criteria apply. In this guest blog, Dr Emma Law shares her experience on why recruitment is so difficult, the funnel effect of screening, and the limitations of existing tools. She also highlights strategies that work best, including NHS memory clinics, permission-to-contact schemes, and new developments such as the NHS App. Her reflections reveal the challenges and opportunities that can make a difference in speeding up research...Dr ClĂona Farrell - Genetically determined Alzheimer’s; recap from ADAD-DSAD
Dr ClĂona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Genetically determined Alzheimer’s disease, though rare, offers key insights into dementia research. In this blog, Dr ClĂona Farrell recaps highlights from the ADAD-DSAD conference in Barcelona. Covering autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome-related Alzheimer’s, she explores genetics, APOE’s role in symptom onset, clinical trial progress for anti-amyloid therapies in people with Down syndrome, and the vital importance of lived experience and PPIE in shaping research.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
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Dr Peter Connelly - Balancing Clinical Research with a Clinical Career
Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Dr Peter Connelly explores how healthcare professionals can integrate clinical research into their daily practice without needing to dedicate their entire career to it. Drawing on his own experiences, he highlights the benefits of engaging with literature, involving patients, and participating in projects at varying levels. He demonstrates that clinical research and clinical practice are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other, improving care and contributing to progress in dementia treatment.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.<...
Dr Becky Carlyle - Managing the Endless Demands of an Academic Career
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.http...
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Delirium and dementia: A neglected area of research?
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.
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Dr Yvonne Couch - Organizing a Conference
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.
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Rebecca Williams - Career Decisions in Academia
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.
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Jacqui Kerr - The role of a Research Nurse in Dementia trials
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...
Dr Lindsey Sinclair - What does it mean to be Perfect?
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...
Lesley Cousland - A Career from Nursing to Research
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. ÂFind the original text, and narration here on our website.
Dr Jodi Watt - The Myth of the Neutral Scientist
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 we...Emily Spencer - Letting Go of Mum Guilt
Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Emily reflects on her experience as a working parent balancing a PhD with raising an energetic toddler. Initially confident in her childcare arrangement, she recently realised that juggling work during nap times while caring for her son on non-childcare days was leaving her exhausted and guilty. Emily describes the challenges of managing both roles, the comments that made her reassess her situation, and the decision to add an extra childcare day. She concludes that seeking more support will benefit both her and her...
Julie Scott - How I Got into Clinical Research: My Career Journey
Julie Scott narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Julie reflects on her varied career in care, from working in dementia wards to joining clinical research at 55. She shares how her skills evolved, the challenges of adapting to new procedures and technology, and the rewards of supporting volunteers in trials. Julie also highlights her team’s work across dementia and other neuroprogressive diseases, the importance of adaptability, and the impact research can have on participants’ wider health.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr...
Dr Peter Connelly - Patients, Practice and the Research Mindset
Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Dr Peter Connelly shares his journey through clinical research, starting with a student dissertation on cimetidine and stretching across decades in psychiatry and old age mental health. He discusses how each step, from early studies to NHS-led drug trials, taught him to question assumptions, listen carefully to patients, and seek better outcomes. His reflections offer valuable lessons for clinicians and researchers alike on integrating curiosity, service design, and rigour into everyday practice.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.<...
Victoria Gabb - Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement in the MCI Core Outcomes Study
Victoria Gabb, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Victoria Gabb reflects on her experience of embedding patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) into the MCI Core Outcomes Study. She describes the challenges and successes of involving people with lived experience throughout the research process, from shaping research questions to co-developing study materials and ensuring more inclusive design. The blog highlights the broader value of PPIE in dementia research, such as improving communication, boosting inclusion, and building meaningful relationships with communities. It also stresses the need for researchers to report and...
Marian Montanha - How We Use Biomarkers in Dementia Trials
Marian Montanha, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Marian explains how biomarkers are used in dementia trials, particularly in diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer’s disease. She reflects on how current diagnostic tools fall short and explores how biomarker research could enable earlier and more accurate detection. Marian also shares her experience supporting participants in these studies, highlighting both the burden and the value of their involvement. It’s a clear-eyed look at a tool that, while not perfect, is reshaping dementia research and treatment pathways.Find the original text, and narr...
Dr Lindsey Sinclair - Why does inclusion matter at scientific conferences?
Dr Lindsey Sinclair narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Lindsey reflects on her experiences attending conferences and the growing efforts to make them more inclusive. From accessible venues and quiet spaces to virtual options and support for parents, she highlights positive changes while urging organisers to go further. Drawing on personal anecdotes and practical examples, the blog argues that inclusive conferences aren’t just fairer—they improve the quality of science itself.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-does-inclusion-matter-at-scientific-conferences/
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - The Impact of Dementia on Women
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Kam explores the disproportionate impact of dementia on women, examining both biological and social factors that heighten their risk. She discusses the underrepresentation of women in dementia research, the exclusion of females from clinical trials, and the additional caregiving burdens placed on women. The blog makes a clear case for action – not just to understand why women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, but also to ensure women researchers are better supported, retained, and promoted.
Find the original text, and narration here...
Dr ClĂona Farrell - Climate Change and the Brain
Dr ClĂona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, ClĂona shares reflections from the Hot Brain 3 conference, which examined the intersection of climate change and brain health. From the exacerbation of neurological conditions like Dravet syndrome and dementia during heatwaves, to emerging links between rising temperatures and preterm births, the event laid bare the growing risks posed by a warming planet. With first-hand accounts, scientific findings, and health system responses, the blog highlights the urgent need for more research and action in both clinical and policy spaces.
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Rebecca Williams - Go with the Flo: Periods at Work
Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Rebecca Williams, opens up about the often-overlooked impact of periods on work and productivity. With a mix of personal reflection and scientific insight, she challenges the silence around menstruation in professional spaces. Highlighting the cognitive and emotional toll of PMS, she argues for more understanding, workplace flexibility, and dedicated research into menstrual health. This honest and relatable piece aims to help normalise conversations that have long been sidelined.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher...
Dr Becky Carlyle - Presenting Your Data Like a Pro
Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Becky, shares how her early struggles with statistics shaped her thinking on data presentation. She offers practical guidance to help researchers present their results in ways that are clear, open, and reliable. From visualising full distributions to showing raw data and model outputs, she explains how small choices in presentation can make a big difference to how your research is interpreted and reused (you may want to read this blog to benefit from the excellent example graphics - links below).
Find...Adam Smith - AAIC 2025, Big, Busy and Worth It
Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this guest blog, Adam offers a view of what to expect from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025. Drawing on past experiences, he outlines why this global event matters, what makes it unique, and how first-timers can make the most of it without becoming overwhelmed. From orientation lounges to poster sessions and career development opportunities, Adam provides reassurance and practical advice for navigating the intensity of a week at one of the biggest dementia research conferences in the world – whether you’re attending in person or online...
Professor Brian Lawlor - Why doctors should rethink dementia as brain health
Professor Brian Lawlor narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Brian argues for a fundamental shift in how doctors approach dementia. Instead of seeing it solely as an incurable disease, he proposes a brain health framework that empowers clinicians to manage risks, prevent complications like delirium, reduce inappropriate medications, and support quality of life. By adopting proactive, holistic care strategies, Brian (and the evidence) believes dementia can become a more manageable condition, akin to how cancer care has evolved.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
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Lesley Cousland - Why Care Home Communities Deserve a Place in Research
Lesley Cousland, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Lesley makes a case for why care home communities must be fully included in research. Drawing on experience and examples from her work, she highlights the exclusion faced by residents and staff, not due to inability but because systems and assumptions make participation unnecessarily difficult. The blog outlines practical steps for inclusion and urges researchers, policymakers, and care providers to actively listen and involve those who live and work in care homes. ÂFind the original text, and narration here on our website.
Dr Yvonne Couch - Coaching and Self-Reflection
Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Yvonne shares her experience of working with a coach to explore identity, confidence, and purpose in academia. Through a humorous and vulnerable lens, she outlines how coaching has helped her challenge ingrained behaviours, understand her motivations, and untangle self-worth from professional achievement. The post highlights why self-reflection matters and how coaching can offer a constructive, external perspective for academics at all stages.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/b...
Dr Jodi Watt - Who Gets Left Out of Dementia Prevention?
Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Jodi Watt challenges the dominant narrative around dementia prevention. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are often emphasised, she argues these overlook deep-rooted structural inequalities. Jodi explores how factors such as poverty, racism, disability, housing, and access to healthcare shape exposure to risk and capacity to prevent dementia. She calls for a shift away from individual responsibility and towards systemic change, advocating for prevention strategies grounded in equity, lived experience, and justice.Find the original text, and...
Emily Spencer - The Exhausting Reality of Data Collection
Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Emily, writes about the exhausting reality of data collection in her dementia research. Working in GP surgeries to video record consultations, she reflects on the challenge of building trust, managing logistics, and staying composed while juggling the demands of parenting and long commutes. Though rewarding, the process is draining, and Emily explores how she is learning to rest and make space for recovery.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk...
Adam Smith - Closing the Gap Between Research and Implementation
Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this guest blog, Adam explores the persistent challenge of getting research findings into practice, especially in dementia care. Drawing on conversations from the Dementia Researcher podcast and community, he highlights the common frustrations researchers face when promising ideas stall after funding ends. Adam shares five practical strategies to bridge the gap between research and implementation, calling for funders and institutions to support the next step in making research useful and sustainable in real settings.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
<...Dr Lindsey Sinclair - Courage in Academic Life
Dr Lindsey Sinclair narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Lindsey explores the role of courage in academic life. From the challenge of stepping into the spotlight to asking for help, she shares examples of bravery at all levels of research careers. Drawing from her own journey, personal, professional, and occasionally painful, she reminds us that many small acts of courage can build a meaningful and successful career in science. Whether it’s speaking up, reaching out, or simply trying again, courage underpins progress.
Find the original text, and narration here on our...
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Does the research funding process need reforming?
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Kam critically explores how research funding is currently awarded and argues that the process, while central to academic success, is fraught with subjectivity and bias. Drawing on her own experiences and wider evidence, she considers reforms such as blind reviewing, partial randomisation, and incentives for good research practice, all with the aim of making the system fairer and more conducive to innovation, especially for early career and minoritised researchers.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
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Dr Emma Law - Why Some people Say No to Research And How We Can Respond
Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Emma explores why some people choose not to take part in dementia research. She looks at what might influence their decision, including misunderstandings, personal concerns, family pressure, and practical barriers. Emma offers respectful ways to respond, aiming to support informed choice while recognising that research is never the right option for everyone. ÂFind the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-some-people-say-no-to-research-and-how-we-can-respond/
#DementiaResearch #ClinicalTrials #Research #TrialDelivery
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