Dr Peter Connelly - Patients, Practice and the Research Mindset
Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Dr Peter Connelly shares his journey through clinical research, starting with a student dissertation on cimetidine and stretching across decades in psychiatry and old age mental health. He discusses how each step, from early studies to NHS-led drug trials, taught him to question assumptions, listen carefully to patients, and seek better outcomes. His reflections offer valuable lessons for clinicians and researchers alike on integrating curiosity, service design, and rigour into everyday practice.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-patients-practice-and-the-research-mindset/
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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.
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Victoria Gabb - Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement in the MCI Core Outcomes Study
Victoria Gabb, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Victoria Gabb reflects on her experience of embedding patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) into the MCI Core Outcomes Study. She describes the challenges and successes of involving people with lived experience throughout the research process, from shaping research questions to co-developing study materials and ensuring more inclusive design. The blog highlights the broader value of PPIE in dementia research, such as improving communication, boosting inclusion, and building meaningful relationships with communities. It also stresses the need for researchers to report and recognise PPIE contributions more effectively in publications.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-mci-core-outcomes-study-patient-public-involvement/
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Victoria Gabb is a Senior Research Associate in Sleep & Dementia Neuroscience at University of Bristol. Victoria is working on her PhD through publication and she is currently working on an important project to develop ‘Core Outcomes’ for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Her blogs on dementia researcher will be a way of sharing the progress of her work, to improve transparency, share the process and as a way to involve others - sharing the work, the process, and life in the pursuit of 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.
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Marian Montanha - How We Use Biomarkers in Dementia Trials
Marian Montanha, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog, Marian explains how biomarkers are used in dementia trials, particularly in diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer’s disease. She reflects on how current diagnostic tools fall short and explores how biomarker research could enable earlier and more accurate detection. Marian also shares her experience supporting participants in these studies, highlighting both the burden and the value of their involvement. It’s a clear-eyed look at a tool that, while not perfect, is reshaping dementia research and treatment pathways.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-we-use-biomarkers-in-dementia-trials/
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Marian Montanha is a Clinical Studies Office in the NHS – Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. With a background in Psychology and a keen interest in Neuropsychology, Marian plays a vital role in clinical research, coordinating and managing clinical trials, ensuring smooth operations, and maintaining accurate records, while also promoting research and collaborating with clinical teams. Passionate about patient care, she is driven to help people maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life. Marian's top tip for ECRs? “You don’t know what you don’t know”. Find Marian 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:
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https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
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https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
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Dr Lindsey Sinclair - Why does inclusion matter at scientific conferences?
Dr Lindsey Sinclair narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Lindsey reflects on her experiences attending conferences and the growing efforts to make them more inclusive. From accessible venues and quiet spaces to virtual options and support for parents, she highlights positive changes while urging organisers to go further. Drawing on personal anecdotes and practical examples, the blog argues that inclusive conferences aren’t just fairer—they improve the quality of science itself.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-does-inclusion-matter-at-scientific-conferences/
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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:
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - The Impact of Dementia on Women
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog, Kam explores the disproportionate impact of dementia on women, examining both biological and social factors that heighten their risk. She discusses the underrepresentation of women in dementia research, the exclusion of females from clinical trials, and the additional caregiving burdens placed on women. The blog makes a clear case for action – not just to understand why women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, but also to ensure women researchers are better supported, retained, and promoted.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-impact-of-dementia-on-women/
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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/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
https://x.com/demrescommunity
https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/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 your podcasts.
Ireland