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PODCAST

Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dementia Researcher

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

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All Episodes

06:07

Rebecca Williams - Self-Worth versus Reviewer Two

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/06/05

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Rebecca explores the emotional impact of academic rejection and the difficulty of separating personal worth from professional critique. Drawing on experiences from education through to journal submission, she offers practical ways to cope: allow yourself to react, lean on support, and regain perspective. With honesty and clarity, she encourages researchers not to bury their failures but to share

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08:29

Bernie McInally - Dementia Research in Rural Areas

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/06/04

Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Bernie reflects on his experience delivering dementia research in the Scottish Borders. Despite common barriers like geography, transport, and limited infrastructure, Bernie describes how community trust, clinical familiarity, and creativity turned challenges into opportunities. He highlights how integrating research into routine care and maintaining personal relationships across rural teams enabled exceptional

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06:24

Emily Spencer - Staying Ahead of the PhD Panic Curve

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/06/02

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog Emily reflects on the challenges of staying on track in her doctoral studies while balancing the demands of parenting. With limited funding time remaining, she outlines the steps she’s taking to pre-empt delays, manage ethics approvals, and write speculatively, highlighting the pressure many face to submit within the three-year funding period. Her story is a reminder of the quiet juggling act many researchers

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08:38

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Accelerated brain ageing and...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/28

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.In this blog, Kam explores whether dementia could be understood as a form of accelerated brain ageing. Drawing on neuropathological evidence and the concept of biological age, she discusses the continuum between normal ageing and neurodegenerative disease, the role of risk and protective factors, and the potential of brain age measurement for early prediction of dementia. The blog also urges caution in relying solely

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07:23

Dr Jodi Watt - Why Saying ‘Demented’ Isn’t Just...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/27

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Jodi Watt challenges the continued use of the term ‘demented’ in clinical and research contexts. She unpacks the damaging stereotypes it reinforces, explains the real-world harm it causes, and shows how small shifts in language can promote dignity, agency, and inclusion. Jodi makes a compelling case for adopting person-centred language like “person living with dementia” and urges all of us –

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11:05

Dr Yvonne Couch - What Is DORA in Research and Why It...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/22

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Yvonne shares her belated discovery of DORA—the Declaration on Research Assessment—and reflects on its origins, aims, and ongoing challenges. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, historical context, and pragmatic critique, she explores why DORA matters in research evaluation, and why so many academics still struggle to fully embrace its principles, especially when faced with high-pressure hiring and

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09:44

Dr Becky Carlyle - It Could Happen Here: Defending...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/21

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this timely and personal blog, Becky urges scientists to take a more active role in defending research from political manipulation and public mistrust. Drawing parallels with the US experience, she argues that UK researchers cannot afford to stay apolitical, and must instead engage with their communities, communicate uncertainty clearly, and build coalitions at the local level. From co-designing research

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14:56

Ajantha Abey - Reflections on Thesis Writing

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/15

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.Ajantha reflects honestly on the demanding process of writing a PhD thesis, detailing the unexpected challenges, distractions, and perfectionist pitfalls encountered along the way. From severely underestimating the complexity of making figures, to handling late-stage data reanalysis and navigating life distractions, Ajantha’s account highlights the emotional toll and practical hurdles of thesis completion. The piece offers

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06:52

Dr Emma Law - What makes a good clinical research team?

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/13

Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Emma Law shares her experience working with clinical research teams across Scotland. She reflects on the key qualities that make a team successful—thorough preparation, mutual respect, clear communication, and the pivotal role of the coordinator. With practical examples and real-life stories, Emma highlights the importance of acknowledging team limitations, ensuring thorough training, and maintaining

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06:59

Dr Clíona Farrell - First time through the...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/09

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Clíona reflects on the step-by-step process of getting her first first-author data paper published. Drawing on a project that began during her PhD and continued into her postdoc, Clíona highlights the many layers of work involved – from early authorship discussions to final submission and revisions. Her account underscores how time-consuming, iterative, and unexpectedly complex academic publishing

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06:31

Dr Peter Connelly - The Role of Memory Clinics in...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/06

Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.In his first blog for Dementia Researcher, Dr Peter Connelly highlights the pivotal role memory clinics play in dementia clinical research. Despite often being perceived as distinct from everyday practice, he argues that the overlap between routine cognitive assessments and trial protocols offers an opportunity for better integration. From enhancing referrals through shared assessment tools like the MMSE to educating mainstream

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05:07

Adam Smith - Building Your Personal Brand

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/02

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.In this guest blog, Adam challenges the scepticism around “personal branding” by reframing it as a tool for clarity rather than self-promotion. Drawing from personal anecdotes and practical advice, he explains how early career researchers can shape how they’re perceived by being deliberate in how they show up, online and in person. With thoughtful encouragement, he demystifies what a brand is and isn’t—and why even quiet, kind, reliable

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06:39

Rebecca Williams - AI and BlueSky: Embracing the...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/05/02

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Rebecca offers a pragmatic guide to everyday tech that can support academic work. From AI tools like ChatGPT and Elicit, to reference managers and visual design hacks in PowerPoint, she explores how to navigate, adopt, and balance new digital tools. Rebecca also champions the use of social media platforms like BlueSky to connect and amplify research, encouraging researchers to make technology

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06:02

Emily Spencer - Retreat, Regroup, Rewrite

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/26

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In her new blog, Emily shares how a writing retreat provided a vital lifeline during a difficult time balancing research and parenting. Amid exhaustion, doubts, and a heavy workload, Emily found renewed confidence, rest, and extraordinary productivity during three days of silent writing. Her honest reflection highlights the value of protected time and reminds us that even small breaks can restore belief in ourselves and

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07:50

Adam Smith - How to Network and Advice for Making the...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/25

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Adam shares practical and honest advice on networking in research. Drawing on personal experiences and real-life examples, he breaks down the awkwardness of making the first move, highlights the power of casual conversations, and encourages early-career researchers to embrace small, meaningful interactions. His message is simple but powerful: connection matters, even if it starts with just a like, a question, or a

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05:03

Jacqui Kerr - A Day in the Life of a Clinical Trial...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/23

Jacqui Kerr narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.In her first guest blog, Jacqui Kerr from the Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network offers a personal and insightful glimpse into her role as a clinical trial coordinator. With nearly two decades in Alzheimer’s research, Jacqui reflects on the complexity and rewards of her work, highlighting the critical importance of communication, teamwork, and participant engagement. From coordinating diverse professionals to supporting

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09:59

Jennifer Bray & Teresa Atkinson - Reflecting on...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/19

Jennifer Bray narrates her & Dr Teresa Atkinson's blog written for Dementia Researcher.Jennifer & Teresa reflect on the unexpected hurdles they faced while evaluating a new staff role in a housing scheme. From construction delays and staff resignations to illness and data collection issues, their blog highlights the reality of conducting research in real-world settings. They share how flexibility, preparation, good communication, and strong relationships helped them overcome

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08:41

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - The use of Generative AI in...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/18

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Kamar examines the rapid rise of generative AI and its complex impact on academia and higher education. Reflecting on her own teaching experience and changes within the sector, she explores how universities and researchers are grappling with questions of academic integrity, innovation, and ethical use. From concerns about student deskilling and data protection to potential benefits in improving access, efficiency, and

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06:22

Dr Jodi Watt - How to Write a Powerful Conference...

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/17

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Jodi offers essential advice for crafting a conference abstract that gets noticed. From understanding your audience and refining your pitch to managing submission logistics, Jodi shares candid insights, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for making every word count. Whether you're a first-timer or regular conference presenter, this guide will help you sharpen your skills and boost your

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09:06

Dr Yvonne Couch - Writing Your First Fellowship

Dementia Researcher Blogs ·

2025/04/10

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this practical blog, Yvonne shares personal insights and lessons learned from her own journey writing fellowship applications. From figuring out the right time to apply, to choosing a niche research idea and navigating funding options, Yvonne offers encouragement, honesty, and a few cautionary tales — including a key tip on valuing your own salary. Whether you're just considering a fellowship or already knee-deep in

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624 results

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