Dementia Researcher

• XXplored - The Midlife Transition: Menopause and the Brain

  In this episode of the Dementia Researcher - Xxplored Women’s Brain Health podcast, host Dr Laura Stankeviciute speaks with Professor Claudia Barth from Charite University and Dr Gillian Coughlan from Harvard Medical School to examine the midlife transition, menopause and its significance for women’s brain health. Together they outline what the menopause truly involves across the early, late, and post stages, and explain how hormonal change affects brain structure, energy use, mood, and cognition. They also explore why this period may coincide with greater vulnerability to later Alzheimer’s disease and discuss the role of early or surgical menopause, symptom severity, and gaps in existing research cohorts. The episode highlights the need for richer reproductive data, real time biomarker studies, and closer collaboration with digital health tools to better capture women’s lived experiences. It reflects a growing wave of research and public interest aimed at improving understanding, support, and evidence based care during this important life stage. -- Takeaways ● Menopause is a long transition shaped by fluctuating hormones. ● Cognitive and mood symptoms reflect changes in brain networks. ● Earlier menopause is linked with increased later Alzheimer’s risk. ● Major research cohorts lack detailed reproductive data. ● New real time studies are beginning to track symptoms and biomarkers. ● Digital tools will be key for future research. ● Better global representation is needed across studies. ● Momentum is building to close long standing gaps in women’s health. -- Find bios on all our speakers, a full transcript of the show and more on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk - 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://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher -- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Menopause and Research Focus 07:25 Understanding Menopause: Definitions and Stages 16:27 Menopause and Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Connection 22:43 Understanding Menopause and Brain Health 25:21 Historical Blind Spots in Alzheimer's Research 26:38 The Importance of Reproductive Variables 31:46 Biomarkers and Methodologies in Women's Health Research 35:28 Industry Collaboration in Research 39:00 Personal Reflections on Women's Brain Health

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• Exploring Psychotherapy for People with Dementia

  In this episode, host Dr Anna Volkmer is joined by Dr Alys Griffiths, Sophie Jeffery, and Esther Whittlesea Reed to explore a two-year Alzheimer’s Society project testing #psychotherapy for people with dementia. Together, they discuss the importance of therapy in #dementia care, the barriers to access, the development of new therapist competencies, and the lived experience of psychotherapy from both clinical and personal perspectives. -- Takeaways 🔹Psychotherapy can provide meaningful outcomes for people with dementia. 🔹Barriers to accessing therapy include stigma and lack of understanding. 🔹Core competencies for therapists are essential for effective care. 🔹Family therapy is crucial for supporting families affected by dementia. 🔹Training for therapists should include specific skills for working with dementia patients. 🔹Research findings highlight the need for better communication about therapy options. 🔹The importance of lived experience in shaping research and therapy. 🔹Future research should focus on improving access to therapy for families. 🔹There is a need for a cultural shift in how dementia is perceived in therapy. -- Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast -- 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://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher -- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Project Overview 04:40 Background and Rationale for Psychotherapy in Dementia 09:20 Personal Experiences and Expectations of Therapy 13:52 Study Design and Methodology 18:33 Roles and Contributions of the Research Team 23:16 Collaborative Insights from Lived Experience 24:42 Key Findings on Psychotherapy for Dementia 27:58 Core Competencies for Therapists 31:45 Understanding Dementia as a Traumatic Life Event 34:46 Future Directions in Dementia Research 40:21 Advocating for Comprehensive Support in Dementia Care

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• Supporting Young Carers in Dementia

  In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Anna Volkmer, Associate Professor at UCL and Speech and Language Therapist explores the experiences of young carers in families affected by dementia, the challenges they face, the support they receive, and what more could and should be done. Anna is joined by Dr Patricia Masterson Algar a Lecturer at Bangor University, leading new research funded by Health and Care Research Wales to develop a peer support programme for young carers. Hannah Gardner a Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, advocating nationally for better awareness and support and Gareth and Euan Heslop, father and son who share their lived experience of caring for a wife and mother with young-onset dementia. Together they discuss the often overlooked impact of dementia on children and teenagers, the stigma and isolation young carers face, and how families, schools, and professionals can work together to provide better understanding and support. -- In this episode: • The hidden realities of growing up as a young carer. • Stigma, awareness, and the importance of talking openly about dementia. • How schools and communities can recognise and support young carers. • Why services must consider the whole family, not just the person diagnosed. • The role of peer support and what new research hopes to achieve. • Voices from lived experience — what young carers really need. 🎧 Listen to hear how families, researchers, and practitioners are working together to ensure young carers are seen, heard, and supported. -- The study discussed in the podcast is now open to recruitment. If you live in England or Wales and are aged 11-16 and involved in the care of someone living with dementia get in touch [email protected] -- Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast -- 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://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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• Last Call: Submit Your AAIC Neuroscience Next Abstract

  A quick reminder from Adam Smith and the Dementia Researcher team — abstract submissions for AAIC Neuroscience Next are closing soon. This short audio message encourages researchers at all career stages to share their work, connect with the neuroscience community, and take part in this global virtual event. If you’ve been thinking about submitting, now’s the time. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of dementia and neuroscience research. Get abstract and registration details on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/aaic-neuroscience-next-2026-manchester-uk/ #AAICNeuro

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• XXplored - Why Sex Matters & What we've Ignored in Brain Ageing

  In our first episode of the XXplored Women's Brain Health podcast, our resident expert and host Dr Laura Stankeviciute from University of Gothenburg engages with leading neuroscientists Professor Liisa Galea from University of Toronto and Dr Maria Teresa Ferretti from Karolinska Institutet to explore the critical intersection of sex, gender, and brain health. Together our guests discuss their personal journeys into neuroscience, the biological differences in brain health, the impact of hormonal changes, and the vulnerability of women to Alzheimer's disease. The conversation also addresses the barriers to inclusion in clinical research, the implications of neurosexism, and the importance of precision medicine. The episode emphasises the need for early diagnosis and the societal stigma surrounding women's health issues, while advocating for a more inclusive and evidence-based approach to brain health research and treatment. This first show sets the scene for what will be an ongoing series of shows, delivered within the Dementia Researcher podcast. Takeaways ● Sex differences shape the brain at every level – structure, hormones, immunity, and function. ● Menopause is a key vulnerability window for women’s brain ageing and Alzheimer’s risk. ● Women face higher Alzheimer’s prevalence, not just because they live longer. ● Women were excluded from trials for decades, leaving dangerous gaps in knowledge. ● Fear of neurosexism and misunderstandings of feminism slowed progress. ● Precision medicine must include sex and gender or risk missing early diagnoses. ● Research funding and clinical guidelines lag far behind need. ● Momentum is building: younger researchers and public interest are pushing change. ● Core message: Different ≠ inferior. Diversity drives discovery. -- Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast -- The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of University College London, Dementia Researcher or its funders. -- 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://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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