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/blog-the-exhausting-reality-of-data-collection/

#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research #Productivity #PhDWriting #PhDLife

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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.

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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.

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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.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-closing-the-gap-between-research-and-implementation/

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Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.

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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.

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Follow us on Social Media:

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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 website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-courage-in-academic-life/

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Dr Lindsey Sinclair is an Honorary Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Bristol and a Locum Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry. Her research explores the relationship between depression and dementia, combining lab work with epidemiology and genetics. Clinically, she works with older adults experiencing a wide range of mental health problems. Outside of work, she’s a keen baker and runner, and has a particular talent for creating ambitious birthday cakes.

Find Lindsey on LinkedIn

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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/
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• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

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.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-does-the-research-funding-process-need-reforming/

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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.

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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/
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Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Find 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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Dr Emma Law is Strategic Manager for the The Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. Emma has 13 years experience as a Clinical Trails Network Manager and over 35 years experience as a Nurse, many of which were spent in the delivery of Clinical Research Trials. Emma completed her PhD and is passionate about giving people living with dementia and their carers access to participate in research.

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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
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Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-to-be-okay-facing-the-unknown/

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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

Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this blog, Peter examines the emotional, professional, and organisational consequences of failed clinical trials. He reflects on the disappointment felt by both participants and staff, the challenges of managing expectations, and the importance of providing continued support. Drawing on practical insight, he reminds us that while not all trials lead to success, they still contribute valuable experience and learning for future studies.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-when-clinical-trials-fail/

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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.

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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

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99

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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