Dementia Researcher

• Delirium and Dementia: Clearing the Fog of Misunderstanding

  In this special episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is joined by Dr Ahmad Khundakar (Teesside University), Anna Wilson (South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), and Professor Mani Santhana Krishnan (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) to explore the complex and often misunderstood relationship between delirium and dementia. The conversation examines how these conditions overlap, why they’re frequently confused, and the consequences of misdiagnosis, particularly in hospital and care settings. Drawing on academic research, clinical practice, and personal experience, the guests discuss how delirium presents, the tools used to detect it, and what needs to change to improve care and outcomes. Listen to this podcast to learn about subtypes like hypoactive delirium, hear real-world examples of how family involvement can make a difference, and discover why non-drug interventions are so important. This episode is an essential listen for anyone working in dementia care or research, as well as for caregivers and families. -- For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: 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. If you prefer to watch rather than listen, check out the video version in Spotify, YouTube or on our website. -- 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://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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• Minds in Motion: Dr Sarah Kate Smith - Brain Health & Dementia Prevention

  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 final episode of the current series, Trevor Salomon is joined by Dr Pippa Collins from the University of Southampton to interview Dr Sarah Kate Smith. Sarah is based at The University of Manchester and NIHR ARC Greater Manchester, and is an NIHR and Alzheimer’s Society Demm Comm Fellow. Her work focuses on brain health and dementia prevention, particularly examining how physical activity in midlife could reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. With a background in psychology and a PhD in health services research, Sarah brings expertise in creative and inclusive research methodologies that enable the involvement of people living with dementia and their families. In this conversation, we explore the challenges of dementia prevention research, how risk reduction differs from the idea of outright prevention, and the importance of public and patient involvement in designing ethical and accessible interventions. Sarah also shares insight into an upcoming project exploring access to brain health clinics among minority ethnic groups and reflects on her career journey, motivations, and what keeps her going. - Dem Comm is a 2 year programme funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research and the Alzheimer's Society. It supports a new generation of dementia research leaders, bringing together researchers from different multidisciplinary backgrounds to encourage cross-cutting and community-orientated dementia research projects that can address key gaps in the evidence around dementia care and support, delivering transformative translational research. -- For information on the Fellowship visit: http://www.arc-wx.nihr.ac.uk/dem-comm-research-fellows For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: 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. If you prefer to listen rather than watch, check out our website, or your favourite podcast app. -- 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://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

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• Clinical opportunity for Blood-based Biomarkers

  In this podcast, host Dr Amanda Heslegrave explores the rapidly evolving field of blood-based biomarkers in dementia research. These biomarkers offer exciting potential for quicker, more accessible dementia diagnosis, raising crucial questions about clinical readiness and implementation. -- Amanda is joined by two expert guests: Dr Jay Amin, University of Southampton – A clinician specialising in dementia, researching inflammation and immune biomarkers, particularly focused on diagnostics and prognosis. Dr Mark Roskey, Quanterix – Senior VP involved in developing ultra-sensitive biomarker detection technologies crucial for dementia research. Together, they discuss current developments, practical hurdles, ethical considerations, and future prospects of blood-based biomarkers, sharing perspectives from clinical, research, and industry viewpoints. -- Topics Covered: 🔷 Overview and current landscape of blood-based biomarkers 🔷 Technological advancements and scientific challenges 🔷 Ethical implications of early diagnosis 🔷 Role of collaboration between academia, clinics, and industry Essential Resources: Dementia Research Institute’s Biomarker Factory - https://bit.ly/3ZRggYR Quanterix Simoa technology - https://bit.ly/43wfanF ADAPT-AD and READ-OUT Studies - https://bit.ly/4dP2fRr -- For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: 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. If you prefer to watch rather listen rather than listen, headover to YouTube, Spotify or our website. -- 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://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher --

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• Minds In Motion: Dr Pippa Collins - Frailty, Dementia, and End-of-life Care

  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 Katie Breheny from Bristol University and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West to interview Dr Pippa Collins. Pippa Collins is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow based at the University of Southampton and NIHR ARC Wessex. Her research primarily addresses the critical aspects of end-of-life care, frailty, and dementia. In this discussion, we explore her work aimed at enhancing the recognition and management of the end-of-life period for people living with dementia. Pippa highlights the importance of shifting from traditional medicalised models of palliative care towards a holistic and personalised "palliative approach," focusing on recognising individual trajectories and vulnerabilities. Her goal is to foster improvements in dementia care practices by better educating healthcare professionals, supporting families, and integrating patient-centred care pathways that respect each individual's emotional, social, and cognitive needs. -- Dem Comm is a 2 year programme funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research and the Alzheimer's Society. It supports a new generation of dementia research leaders, bringing together researchers from different multidisciplinary backgrounds to encourage cross-cutting and community-orientated dementia research projects that can address key gaps in the evidence around dementia care and support, delivering transformative translational research. -- For information on the Fellowship visit: http://www.arc-wx.nihr.ac.uk/dem-comm-research-fellows For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: 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. If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast on our website & on YouTube. -- 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://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

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• Make Your Mark: Elevating Your Academic Visibility - BNA2025 Festival of Neuroscience

  Recorded live at the BNA 2025 Festival of Neuroscience, this special episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast explores how researchers can build visibility in authentic and meaningful ways. Host Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University is joined by Dr Ian Harrison from University College London, Dr Ekta Patel from the Medicines Discovery Catapult and Professor Fiona Ducotterd from the ARUK Drug Discovery Institute at UCL. They provide practical and personal discussion on raising your academic profile — both online and in real life. Together, they reflect on the challenges and benefits of self-promotion, share strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, and offer advice on making the most of networking opportunities. They also talk about the power of storytelling, volunteering, and showing up as your real self in academic spaces. Whether you're just getting started or trying to take the next step in your career, this episode offers relatable insights and actionable tips. -- Top Takeaways: ✍️ Start small — writing blog posts, joining a committee, or talking to someone new at a conference all count. 🔁 Reframe self-promotion as sharing your work with purpose and generosity. 🧱 Visibility builds confidence, not the other way around — and it’s something you can practise over time. 🗣️ Your perspective matters — you don’t need to be the loudest voice, just an authentic one. 🤝 The people behind the science are just as important as the science itself. -- 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 version on our website on YouTube and in Spotify. -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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