Dementia Researcher

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

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Fiona McLean is joined by Dr Josh Harvey (University of Exeter), Dr Sarah Marzi (King’s College London), Dr Alexi Nott (Imperial College London), and Dr Sam Washer (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) to discuss the role of epigenetics in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. The episode offers a broad exploration of epigenetics in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting how gene regulation beyond DNA sequences is advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s and related conditions. It covers the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on disease development, as well as emerging research techniques and technologies that could inform future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. -- Key Topics: • The fundamentals of epigenetics and its distinction from traditional genetics. • How epigenetic research is shaping our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. • The role of environmental factors in influencing epigenetic changes. • New technologies and th

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, Dr Anna Volkmer leads a discussion on the importance of co-production in dementia research. This episode explores what it truly means to involve people with lived experience, with tips on how to go about it, and our guests own experience in working together. They also discuss the research process and how this approach can lead to more relevant and impactful outcomes. Featured Guests: •Dr Barbora Silarova: An NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow at the University of Kent. Barbora brings her expertise in supporting people living with dementia and their carers. She shares insights on the significance of equal partnerships in co-produced research and the challenges and rewards of this collaborative approach. •Dr Rosie Ashworth: A researcher who leads patient and public involvement for the NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. Rosie discusses the importance of involving those with lived experience in research to enrich the quality and re

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, we discuss the challenges and support needs of early career dementia researchers (ECRs) across Europe. Our discussion centres on a recent study titled Supporting Early Career Dementia Researchers: Identifying Support Needs and Ways Forward via a European Study. The study sheds light on the unique difficulties faced by ECRs and offers practical recommendations to enhance professional journeys. -- Speakers:

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the last day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August. Quang Tran, Science Communications Officer for Alzheimer's Research UK, guest hosts the show with expert panelists: Dr Shea Andrews, Assistant Professor at University of California San Francisco working on Genetic Epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease Dr Joe Butler, NIHR ARC Research Fellow at University of Sunderland, interested in using techniques and paradigms from experimental psychology to learn about brain health. Roberto A. Guzmán Hernández, ISTAART Ambassador, Graduate Research Assistant and PhD Student at Temple University working on the effects of aggregated tau on endothelial and cerebrovascular dysfunction The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the fourth day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August. Dr Amanda Heslegrave, Principle Research Fellow at University College London, hosts the show with special guests: Dr Darina Petrovsky, Assistant Professor at Duke University Dr Emily Ho, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Meenakshi Menon, ISTAART Ambassador and incoming PhD student in Cognitive Sciences at Georgia State University The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. Main plenary talks from the day included Tara Spires-Jones presenting on 'Synaptic Oligomeric Tau In Alzheimer’s Disease — A Potential

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the first two days of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August. Dr Francesca Farina hosts the show with special guests: Dr Annalise Rahman-Filipiak, Assistant Professor, Clinical Neuropsychologist at University of Michigan Dr Tamlyn Watermeyer, NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow at Northumbria University and University of Edinburgh working on cognition and brain health. Dr Merci Best, Research Fellow at the University of Michigan's Paulson Lab, studying the molecular mechanisms of tau-mediated neurodegeneration The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. Main plenary ta

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the third day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August. Caitlyn Fastenau,  PhD Candidate at University of Texas Health San Antonio, hosts the show with special guests: Balogun Wasiu, Postdoctoral Associate at University of Pittsburgh Jessica Caldwell, Director, Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Sophia Krix, PhD Student at University of Bonn, working on the ADIS Project The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers. Main plenary talks from the day included Suvarna Alladi 'Bilingualism And Dementia: Implications For Brain Health And Pol

Welcome to the last show in this season of the ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast, presented by Dementia Researcher. In our final episode, we come full circle with Dr Keir Yong, Senior Research Fellow at UCL's Dementia Research Centre, speaking with Professor Arlene Astell, Chair of the Non-Pharmacological Interventions PIA. -- Professor Astell discusses her role as a Professor of Cyber Psychology at Northumbria University and Director of the Dementia Ageing Technology Engagement Lab at the University of Toronto. She offers a comprehensive look into her journey into dementia research, sparked by early interactions with individuals living with dementia, and her commitment to understanding and mitigating the cognitive and behavioural challenges they face. -- Gain insights into the innovative projects led by Professor Astell, including the development of touchscreen computer systems designed to support conversation for people with dementia. How the significance of lifestyle interventions, such as nutrition and physical

Join us for another episode of the ISTAART Relay Podcast brought to you by Dementia Researcher. We’re releasing one of these shows each week in the build up to the AAIC, which this year starts on the 28th July. In this episode, Dr Diana Karamacoska takes over the hot seat to interview Dr Keir Yong, a Senior Research Fellow at University College London, about the intricacies of Atypical Alzheimer's Disease, and the work of the Atypical Alzheimer's Disease PIA. Discover how posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a less common variant of Alzheimer’s, impacts patients' lives and the innovative research aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. Get insights into the diagnostic challenges, the role of biomarkers, and the essential interdisciplinary collaborations driving advancements in this field. Don't miss this deep dive into Keir’s work, hot topics in the field, and how their PIA is making a difference. -- The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART)

Join us for another episode of the ISTAART Relay Podcast from Dementia Research. This time Dr Ece Bayram moves from interviewee to interviewer and chats with Dr Diana Karamacoska, the vice chair of the Partnering with Research Participants PIA. This episode explores the challenges and breakthroughs in dementia research, with a special focus on engaging underserved communities, and public involvement. Dr Karamacoska shares her personal journey inspired by her grandparents' experiences with dementia, highlighting the gaps in services and the importance of culturally appropriate care. -- Discover how the ISTAART PIAs are transforming dementia research through meaningful partnerships and inclusive practices. Learn about the global shift towards collaboration with research participants and the innovative approaches being used to address disparities in dementia care. Diana also discusses the significance of maintaining well-being while working closely with affected communities and the role of the PIA in supportin

In this episode of the ISTAART Relay Podcast, Dr Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist and director at the Cleveland Clinic, interviews Dr Ece Bayram, the newly appointed assistant professor and incoming communications chair for the ISTAART Lewy Body Dementias PIA. They explore Ece’s research on sex differences in genetics and environmental risk factors for Lewy body dementia. Ece shares insights into her innovative projects, the work of their PIA, plans for the upcoming AAIC and the significance of understanding sex and gender differences in neurodegenerative diseases, and the importance of designing research with community involvement. They also discuss the challenges of conducting studies in diverse populations and the need for global collaboration. Tune in to hear about the exciting developments in Lewy body dementia research and the impact of community-driven studies on advancing the field. -- The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) con

Welcome to the fifth season of the ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast, brought to you by Dementia Researcher. In this six-part series, members of ISTAART professional interest areas (PIAs) take turns interviewing their colleagues about the latest research in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This episode features a Caitlyn Fastenau, a PhD candidate from the University of Texas Health Science Centre interviewing Dr Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist and director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Centre at Cleveland Clinic. Dr Caldwell discusses her pioneering work at the world's only clinic designed specifically for women to reduce their Alzheimer's risk, focusing on sex and gender differences in the disease. She highlights the critical role of menopause, stress, and hormonal changes in Alzheimer's risk and shares insights into the importance of diverse research populations and the unique challenges faced by women caregivers. Tune-in as explore hot topics of sex and gender differen

Welcome to the fifth season of the ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast, brought to you by Dementia Researcher. This series features members of ISTAART, engaging in insightful interviews about groundbreaking dementia research, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this episode, Professor Arlene Astell interviews Caitlyn Fastenau, a PhD candidate in Integrated Biomedical Sciences focusing on the Biology of Ageing. Caitlyn shares her journey into dementia research, driven by personal experiences and a passion for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Her research explores the role of immune cells, particularly microglia, in Alzheimer’s disease, using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing. Caitlyn discusses the her work, the importance of diversity in research, highlighting

Adam Smith chats with Dr Claire Sexton, Senior Director, Scientific Programs and Outreach from the Alzheimer’s Association. Discussing this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 28th July to 1st August (+preconference on the 25th – 27th). -- Taking place in-person in Philadelphia and online - the world’s leading basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community will share breaking research discoveries that will lead to methods of prevention and treatment and improvements in diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease. In this exciting edition, we will be giving you an exclusive sneak peek into one of the most highly anticipated events in dementia research conference calendar (also a world first exclusive on the location for 2025). Join us as we explore into how you can attend, the scientific programme, extra events and just what the AAIC will deliver this year. With leading experts, visionary thinkers, and research pioneers gatheri

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, Dr Sam Moxon interviews Dr Michael Klaper discussing the impact of diet and nutrition on brain health and dementia. They explore the importance of a plant-based diet, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, for maintaining brain health. They also discuss the negative effects of ultra processed foods and animal-based diets on brain health. Dr. Klaper emphasises the importance of sleep, exercise, and stress management for overall brain health. He also suggests practical tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet, such as incorporating more vegetables and legumes into meals and exploring international cuisines. About the guest: Dr Klaper graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1972. He served a medical internship at Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia, received training in surgery, anesthesiology & orthopedics at the University of British Columbia Hospital in Vancouver & trained in obstetrics at the University of Califo

Welcome to the Dementia Researcher Podcast. In this episode, Dr Fiona McLean, an Alzheimer's Research UK fellow at the University of Dundee, discusses the issue of academic burnout with three fellow researchers. The guests, Dr Sarah Marzi, Dr Ian Harrison, and Dr Kate Harris, share their personal experiences with burnout, its impact on their work and personal lives, and strategies for managing and preventing it. They highlight the importance of setting boundaries, seeking mentorship, maintaining a work-life balance, and practising self-kindness. They also emphasise the need for a supportive and sustainable research culture. -- Five Top Tips from the Show: 1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in your work to manage expectations and workload effectively. Communicate these boundaries with your colleagues and superiors to ensure a sustainable work environment. 2. Seek Mentorship: Engage with mentors both within and outside your institution. Mentors can provide valuable guidance, support, and perspect

A weekly gathering to discuss careers and research topics, inspired by 17th and 18th century salons from Paris, with a modern twist. These sessions combine livestreams, guest speakers and group chat to exchange ideas, challenge, influence, inspire and educate. After the 30 minute livestream ends, you can join the host and speakers with our others and continue to discuss the topic for a further 30 minutes (you will find this in past events). Our very first gathering is scheduled for the 26th June at 12noon BST to explore 'Tackling Sexism in Academia'. Join us LIVE or join our community to catch-up when you have time: https://communities.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/c/events/tackling-sexism-in-academia-6284d2d8-3ddc-44f6-a618-8d7a3492f148 -- Sexism in academia is a significant issue that manifests through unequal opportunities, pay disparities, and underrepresentation of women, particularly in senior and leadership roles. Despite advancements in policies aimed at fostering equality, implicit biases and s

Join Dr Sam Moxon and guests, Dr Emily Willroth, Dr Kyrsten Hill, and Karysa Britton, from Washington University in St. Louis three of the people behind the World Happiness Report. Together they discuss their research showing that higher levels of well-being can act as protective factors against dementia and improve the quality of life for those living with the condition. They highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being in dementia prevention and care, and the potential for public health policies and community programs to incorporate these findings. In the show our guests also emphasise the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling dementia prevention. In the 2024 issue of the World Happiness Report, the authors focus on the happiness of people at different stages of life. In the seven ages of man in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the later stages of life are portrayed as deeply depressing. But happiness research shows a more nuanced picture, and one that is changing over time. In

This week the Dementia Researcher Podcast shines a spotlight on last months DSAD-ADAD Conference, which focused on Down Syndrome Associated Alzheimer's disease (DSAD) and Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (ADAD). The conference, held in Barcelona, brought together over 160 researchers from 16 countries to discuss groundbreaking research in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. The podcast hosted Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi features three guests, Natalie Edwards, Dr Lisi Flores Aguilar, and Professor Jason Hassenstab. Together they share news from the conference and discuss various topics from genetic predispositions to treatment strategies. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration and the overlap between DSAD and ADAD research. The podcast also touches on the potential of using retinal imaging as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, the importance of considering sex and APOE4 homozygotes in research, and the need for more patient perspectives in clinical trials. -- About the guests: Dr L