Dementia Researcher

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 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

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

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:

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 second series, we hear from five of the Dem Comm Fellows each taking 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 the guest from our previous show Dr Lis Grey from University of Bristol and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West to interview Dr Katie Breheny. Katy works in the NIHR ARC West and University of Bristol. Katie is a health economist focused on improving the way we assess and value healthcare interventions for people living with dementia. Her research explores how traditional health economic methods can be adapted to better capture wellbeing and quality of

Last week we were in Birmingham for this years Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference. Hearing from researchers talking about their work and to learn about the latest discoveries in dementia research. In the show guest host and regular blogger Rebecca Williams talks with Dr Beth Williams, from the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Gargi Roy from Bristol Medical School and Donatella Di Rienzo from the Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute. -- For more information on the event and the great work of Alzheimer’s Research UK visit https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/research-conference Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast with full c

In recognition of the first Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Awareness Day, this episode explores how speech and language therapists are working to support people with PPA to maintain communication and preserve connections with their loved ones. Dr Shalom Henderson is joined by three leading experts in speech and language therapy—Dr Anna Volkmer, Dr Jackie Kindell, and Rosemary Townsend—who are pioneering innovative interventions to help people living with PPA navigate the challenges of language loss. Together, they discuss the impact of this progressive condition on communication and relationships, and the critical role that speech therapy plays in maintaining meaningful conversations. -- Key Topics Discussed:

Join us for the first of our two-part special podcast shows, recorded live at the International Lewy Body Dementia Conference in Amsterdam! In this episode postdoc researcher Dr Josh Harvey (University of Exeter) is joined by three expert guests:

We're back with Part Two of our special highlights podcasts from the International Lewy Body Dementia Conference in Amsterdam! This time, host Dr Sterre de Boer (Alzheimer’s Centre Amsterdam) leads the discussion with a fantastic panel of experts:

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Leah Fullegar discusses the PhD viva experience with three recent graduates who share their insights into the preparation and execution of their defences. Join us to learn from the experiences of Dr Hannah Hussain, Dr Aisling Flynn, and Shalom Henderson, who bring diverse perspectives from their respective fields. Each guest shares valuable insights into the preparation techniques that aided them, as well as reflections on their personal experiences of the viva. For anyone approaching their PhD defence or interested in understanding more about this crucial academic challenge, this podcast provides a comprehensive overview and practical advice. -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. You can also find a video of our podcast on YouTube:

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 the guest from our previous show Dr Olivia Luijnenburg from King’s College London and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London to interview Dr Elisabeth (Lis) Grey. Lis works in the NIHR ARC West and University of Bristol. Lis is interested in how people with neurodegenerative disorders experience health and care services and is working on developing ways to improve services and support people to live wel

Happy Holidays to all our listeners. Celebrate the season with the Dementia Researcher Podcast Christmas Special! Hosted by Adam Smith, this episode features regular bloggers from the Dementia Researcher website, Dr Anna Volkmer, Dr Connor Richardson, Dr Sam Moxon, Dr Jodi Watt, and Dr Clíona Farrell. Together, they reminisce about their 2024 journeys, discuss groundbreaking developments in their research field and explore what they’re most excited about for the coming year. Laced with humor and camaraderie, and some festive questions. Want to hear more from our guests? Check them out: Adam Smith: https://bit.ly/3DCHA4K Dr Anna Volkmer: https://bit.ly/4freouN Dr Connor Richardson: https://bit.ly/4gPwBUe Dr Jodi Watt: https://bit.ly/41Mqprz Dr Sam Moxon: https://bit.ly/41LLW3x Dr Clíona Farrell: https://bit.ly/4iPGh2D -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and

In this special episode, recorded in Montreal, Canada, we bring you highlights from the International Symposium on ALS/MND 2024 organised by the MND Association. Host Dr Alys Griffiths, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, is joined by three expert guests to discuss the latest research and breakthroughs in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron disease (MND). Dr Megan Fowler, a postdoctoral researcher from Flinders University, shares insights into her work on endogenous retroviruses and their role in ALS. Professor Eneida Mioshi, from the University of East Anglia, explores cognitive and behavioural changes in ALS and FTD and their impact on care. Dr Ahmad Al Khleifat, a group leader at King’s College London, highlights advancements in genomic research and efforts to diversify ALS studies globally. Key topics include promising therapies like antisense oligonucleotides, the integration of patient voices in research, and the power of collaboration to accelerate progress. For m

Recorded at the Alzheimer's Society ECR Retreat on the 19th June 2024. -- In this panel discussion / question and answer session, Katherine Gray, Alzheimer's Society Head of Research chairs a discussion with Professor Heather Mortiboys, Professor Nathan Davies, Dr Jeffrey Davies, Professor Andrey Abramov and John Major. Panellists provide tips and insights into the grant application process, providing their perspectives as grant reviewers and funding board members. They also provide advice on how to approach grant application writing. The panellists, who are leading researchers and volunteers on grant advisory boards, discuss the key components of a successful grant application, common mistakes, and how to demonstrate the potential impact of research. They also provide advice on resubmitting applications after initial rejection and how to effectively manage career breaks. Together they emphasise the importance of clear hypotheses, realistic expectations, proper costing, and team science. They also highlight

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 Sarah Smith from The University of Manchester and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Greater Manchester to interview Dr Olivia Luijnenburg. Olivia works in the NIHR Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit at King’s College London. She works on various projects around social care workforce and care homes, however the focus in this show is on her research into spirituality in dementia care. We explore her

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Megan Rose Readman from the University of Liverpool discusses the role of peer support and community in research careers. This session explores the importance of support networks at all career stages, from early career to senior roles. Megan is joined by three guests, each with experience in building and sustaining research communities specifically to support researchers working in all areas of Alzheimer's disease and all other forms of dementia, and neurodegeneration: Adam Smith from Dementia Researcher, who discusses their global community, including the recent launch of a new app designed to connect researchers. Dr Oz Ismail from Alzheimer's Association and ISTAART, who provides insights into their professional society’s efforts to support Alzheimer’s research globally. Josh Wright from Alzheimer’s Research UK, who explains the structure and benefits of their UK-wide network, especially for early-career researchers. -- Listeners will gai

In this Dementia Researcher Podcast episode, Dr Aitana Sogorb Esteve hosts a discussion with Dr Charlie Arber and Sam Crawford from University College London, discussing their work on familial British dementia (FBD), a rare form of dementia affecting only a handful of families. The discussion explores the latest findings from human stem cell models that are helping researchers understand FBD’s unique genetic and pathological features, and how that can inform a wider understanding of familial Alzheimer’s Disease. Topics covered include: - Genetic causes and symptoms of familial British dementia - Use of stem cell models, particularly iPSCs, to study FBD in the lab - Potential biomarkers and implications for therapeutic research - How funding from the Race Against Dementia Ignition Fund is supporting advancements in rare dementia research -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk Find out more at Race Against Dementia: http

Last week Dementia Researcher attended the 34th Alzheimer Europe Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. In this podcast Dr Megan Polden and her guests bring you highlights from the second half of the event, sharing news and their best bits. Dr Megan Polden talks with Dr Aisling Flynn from Bournemouth University and Dr Emma Law from the Scottish Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network and Dr Lukas Duffner from Alzheimer Europe. This year’s Alzheimer Europe Conference, themed 'New Horizons – Innovating for Dementia,' brought together a diverse group of participants, including people living with dementia, carers, volunteers, Alzheimer association staff, policymakers, health and social care professionals, researchers, and academics. It remains a unique platform where the latest advances in fundamental science, care, policy, and public engagement are shared and discussed. Essential links / resources mentioned in the show: Alzheimer Europe - https://www.alzheimer-europe.org INTERDEM - https://interdem.org #34AEC on X

Last week Dementia Researcher attended the 34th Alzheimer Europe Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. In this podcast Dr Megan Rose Readman and her guests bring you highlights from event, sharing news and their best bits from the hundreds of posters and talks delivered. Dr Megan Rose Readman talks with Dr Fiona Carragher from Alzheimer’s Society and Dr Andy Northcott from the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory, University of West London and Dr Sébastien Libert from Alzheimer Europe. This year’s Alzheimer Europe Conference, themed 'New Horizons – Innovating for Dementia,' brought together a diverse group of participants, including people living with dementia, carers, volunteers, Alzheimer association staff, policymakers, health and social care professionals, researchers, and academics. It remains a unique platform where the latest advances in fundamental science, care, policy, and public engagement are shared and discussed. Essential links / resources mentioned in the show: Alzheimer Europe - https://www.

In this podcast we bring you highlights from the International Society for Frontotemporal Dementias (ISFD) Conference, which was held in Amsterdam from the 19th to 22nd September 2024. Dr Anna Volkmer talks with Dr Martyna Matuszyk from Alzheimer’s Society and Dr Aitana Sogorb Esteve from University College London discussing their highlights and recapping on the event and what they’re taking away from this year’s talks. -- The International Society for Frontotemporal Dementias is a non-profit scientific society focused on frontotemporal dementias. Members include the leaders in FTD research around the world, and the society is associated with a large, international biannual meeting (soon to be annual) presenting the latest findings. For more information visit: https://www.isftd.org -- You can find out more about our guests and their work on our website. There you will also find a full transcript of the show: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Prefer to watch rather than listen? Then check-out o