Dementia Researcher

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Fiona McLean is joined by Dr Josh Harvey (University of Exeter), Dr Sarah Marzi (King’s College London), Dr Alexi Nott (Imperial College London), and Dr Sam Washer (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) to discuss the role of epigenetics in Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

The episode offers a broad exploration of epigenetics in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting how gene regulation beyond DNA sequences is advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s and related conditions. It covers the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on disease development, as well as emerging research techniques and technologies that could inform future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

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Key Topics:

• The fundamentals of epigenetics and its distinction from traditional genetics.

• How epigenetic research is shaping our understanding of Alzheimer's disease.

• The role of environmental factors in influencing epigenetic changes.

• New technologies and their application in epigenetic studies.

• The potential for epigenetics in developing future diagnostics and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

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Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast with a transcript on our website.

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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.

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In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, Dr Anna Volkmer leads a discussion on the importance of co-production in dementia research. This episode explores what it truly means to involve people with lived experience, with tips on how to go about it, and our guests own experience in working together. They also discuss the research process and how this approach can lead to more relevant and impactful outcomes.

Featured Guests:

•Dr Barbora Silarova: An NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow at the University of Kent. Barbora brings her expertise in supporting people living with dementia and their carers. She shares insights on the significance of equal partnerships in co-produced research and the challenges and rewards of this collaborative approach.

•Dr Rosie Ashworth: A researcher who leads patient and public involvement for the NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. Rosie discusses the importance of involving those with lived experience in research to enrich the quality and relevance of scientific findings.

•Winnie Henry: A retired psychotherapist who cared for her husband with vascular dementia. Winnie provides a personal perspective on the value of co-production, emphasising empathy and the importance of ensuring that carers' voices are heard in research.

•Mike Parish: A retired firefighter who became a carer for his husband, who had progressive supranuclear palsy. Mike highlights the importance of representing diverse experiences and backgrounds in dementia research to ensure all voices are considered.

•David Ross: A retired engineer who cared for his wife with frontotemporal dementia. David speaks about his journey into co-production, driven by a desire to understand more about dementia and contribute to meaningful research that reflects the realities faced by carers.

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Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:

NHS England Co-production resource toolkit

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/co-production-resource-toolkit/

Co-Production Collective

https://www.coproductioncollective.co.uk/

The Dementia Enquirers Gold Standards for Co-Research

https://dementiaenquirers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/gold-standard-for-co-research.pdf

DEEP Network - A Story of Co-Production

https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/A-story-of-co-production-%E2%80%93-The-Right-to-a-Grand-Day-Out.pdf

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Together, these guests provide valuable insights into the process and benefits of co-produced research, offering practical tips for researchers looking to adopt this approach.

Tune in to learn more about how prioritising people can transform the way we approach dementia research.

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Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website:

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast with a transcript on our website.

--

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.

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Follow us on social media:

http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/

http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/

http://www.x.com/demrescommunity

http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

http://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, we discuss the challenges and support needs of early career dementia researchers (ECRs) across Europe. Our discussion centres on a recent study titled Supporting Early Career Dementia Researchers: Identifying Support Needs and Ways Forward via a European Study. The study sheds light on the unique difficulties faced by ECRs and offers practical recommendations to enhance professional journeys.

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Speakers:

🔹Adam Smith: Programme Director for Dementia Researcher and today's guest host.

🔹Dr Charlèss Dupont: A postdoctoral researcher at Freie University in Brussels with a background in nursing and communication. Charlès's work primarily focuses on communication and palliative care in dementia.

🔹Dr Pascale Heins: With a background in occupational therapy, Dr. Heins works at Maastricht University, where her research explores ways to support social life in people with dementia.

🔹Dr Sara Laureen Bartles: A postdoctoral researcher at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm and Maastricht University, Sarah's research spans chronic conditions management, including dementia.

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Key Takeaways:

🔹Funding and Career Support: The study identifies a significant need for better financial support mechanisms, particularly in the transition from PhD to postdoctoral roles.

🔹Work-Life Balance: The pressures of academia often lead to an unhealthy work-life balance, with expectations set by supervisors. The study calls for more proactive support from institutions.

🔹Mentoring and Training: The importance of mentoring and training, both within academia and for careers outside of it, is emphasised as a way to better prepare researchers for diverse career paths.

🔹Dissemination: There is a need for improved dissemination strategies, ensuring that research findings reach a broader audience, including those directly affected by dementia.

Tune-in as we explore these critical issues and discuss actionable solutions to support the current and next generation of dementia researchers.

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Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:

Supporting early-career dementia researchers: Identifying support needs and ways forward via a European study - https://bit.ly/3WN1yju

How are early-career dementia researchers considered and supported on a national level by dementia plans and organizations? An overview of global policy approaches - https://bit.ly/3YMxrLq

ISTAART and University College London survey turns a spotlight on early career researcher life and challenges - https://bit.ly/4dMmoWK

Join ISTAART - istaart.alz.org

Pascal's PhD Defence - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDjURgVH6YM

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Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website:

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

--

Like what you see? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to listen rather than listen, you’ll find an audio version of this podcast with a transcript on our website.

--

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:

http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/

http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/

http://twitter.com/demrescommunity

http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the last day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August.

Quang Tran, Science Communications Officer for Alzheimer's Research UK, guest hosts the show with expert panelists:

Dr Shea Andrews, Assistant Professor at University of California San Francisco working on Genetic Epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Joe Butler, NIHR ARC Research Fellow at University of Sunderland, interested in using techniques and paradigms from experimental psychology to learn about brain health.

Roberto A. Guzmán Hernández, ISTAART Ambassador, Graduate Research Assistant and PhD Student at Temple University working on the effects of aggregated tau on endothelial and cerebrovascular dysfunction

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The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers.

Main plenary talks from the day included Michael Weiner 'ADNI: Two Decades Of Impact And The Path Forward', Reisa Sperling ' Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease'.

Today was also the first AAIC For ALL, a new format with talks for professional from Jeffrey Cummings on the Therapeutic Landscape, Heather Whitson on The Role Of Blood Tests In Diagnosis And Treatment, Clifford Jack on Criteria For Diagnosis And Staging, Monica Rivera-Mindt on Health Equity And Risk Reduction and Katherine Possin on Dementia Care. Talks for a lay audience from Edward B. Lee on Brain Donation: The Gift Of Knowledge, Hussein Zalzale on The Many Faces Of Alzheimer’s Dementia, Subtypes And Unique Features, Dawn Mechanic-Hamilton on How Can We Improve Cognitive Testing? The Answer May Be In The Palm Of Your Hand, Cerise Elliot on Building Inclusive Alzheimer’s And Related Dementias Research Studies, Wiesje van der Flier on 'Risk Reduction', Jonathan Schott on 'Diagnosis And Treatment', Nancy Hodgson on 'Dementia Care', Ozioma Okonkwo on 'Health Equity'.

#AAIC24

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the fourth day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August.

Dr Amanda Heslegrave, Principle Research Fellow at University College London, hosts the show with special guests:

Dr Darina Petrovsky, Assistant Professor at Duke University

Dr Emily Ho, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University

Meenakshi Menon, ISTAART Ambassador and incoming PhD student in Cognitive Sciences at Georgia State University

The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers.

Main plenary talks from the day included Tara Spires-Jones presenting on 'Synaptic Oligomeric Tau In Alzheimer’s Disease — A Potential Culprit In The Spread Of Tau Pathology Through The Brain ', Ricardo F. Allegri on 'Dementia Research In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: Initiatives That Seize Opportunities, Overcome Challenges And Build Capacity'.

#AAIC24

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the third day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August.

Caitlyn Fastenau,  PhD Candidate at University of Texas Health San Antonio, hosts the show with special guests:

Balogun Wasiu, Postdoctoral Associate at University of Pittsburgh

Jessica Caldwell, Director, Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center, Cleveland Clinic

Sophia Krix, PhD Student at University of Bonn, working on the ADIS Project

The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers.

Main plenary talks from the day included Suvarna Alladi 'Bilingualism And Dementia: Implications For Brain Health And Policy Development', Clive Ballard on 'Psychosis In Alzheimer’s Disease'.

#AAIC24

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the first two days of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) taking place in Philadelphia and Online, 28th July to 1st August.

Dr Francesca Farina hosts the show with special guests:

Dr Annalise Rahman-Filipiak, Assistant Professor, Clinical Neuropsychologist at University of Michigan

Dr Tamlyn Watermeyer, NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow at Northumbria University and University of Edinburgh working on cognition and brain health.

Dr Merci Best, Research Fellow at the University of Michigan's Paulson Lab, studying the molecular mechanisms of tau-mediated neurodegeneration

The AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers.

Main plenary talks from the day included Edward B. Lee presenting 'Neuropathology In A Multidisciplinary Age', Timothy Miller on 'Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics For Neurodegenerative Diseases', Henne Holstege delivering a talk titled 'From Longevity To Vulnerability: Genomic Pathways Underlying Cognitive Health In Centenarians And Neurodegenerative Disease'.

#AAIC24 @alzassociation

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

Welcome to the last show in this season of the ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast, presented by Dementia Researcher. In our final episode, we come full circle with Dr Keir Yong, Senior Research Fellow at UCL's Dementia Research Centre, speaking with Professor Arlene Astell, Chair of the Non-Pharmacological Interventions PIA.

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Professor Astell discusses her role as a Professor of Cyber Psychology at Northumbria University and Director of the Dementia Ageing Technology Engagement Lab at the University of Toronto. She offers a comprehensive look into her journey into dementia research, sparked by early interactions with individuals living with dementia, and her commitment to understanding and mitigating the cognitive and behavioural challenges they face.

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Gain insights into the innovative projects led by Professor Astell, including the development of touchscreen computer systems designed to support conversation for people with dementia. How the significance of lifestyle interventions, such as nutrition and physical activity, and the emerging potential of neuromodulation can play a role in reducing dementia risk.

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The conversation also highlights the broader implications of non-pharmacological interventions, the challenges in implementing these approaches within health systems, and the importance of influencing public health policy to ensure wider adoption – and the role that the Non-Pharmacological Interventions PIA can play in fostering collaboration.

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The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) convenes the global Alzheimer’s and dementia science community. Members share knowledge, fuel collaboration and advance research to find more effective ways to detect, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Professional Interest Areas (PIA) are an assembly of ISTAART members with common subspecialties or interests.

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There are currently 30 PIAs covering a wide range of interests and fields, from the PIA to Elevate Early Career Researchers to Biofluid Based Biomarkers and everything in between. To sign-up to ISTAART and a PIA visit: http://www.istaart.alz.org - Note: ISTAART Membership is free for students worldwide, and for researchers of all levels based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

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To book your place at this year’s AAIC (In-person and online) visit:

http://www.aaic.alz.org

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You can also enjoy this show as a video on our YouTube Channel at:

https://youtu.be/fF6oDHK_iP4

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

Join us for another episode of the ISTAART Relay Podcast brought to you by Dementia Researcher. We’re releasing one of these shows each week in the build up to the AAIC, which this year starts on the 28th July.

In this episode, Dr Diana Karamacoska takes over the hot seat to interview Dr Keir Yong, a Senior Research Fellow at University College London, about the intricacies of Atypical Alzheimer's Disease, and the work of the Atypical Alzheimer's Disease PIA.

Discover how posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a less common variant of Alzheimer’s, impacts patients' lives and the innovative research aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. Get insights into the diagnostic challenges, the role of biomarkers, and the essential interdisciplinary collaborations driving advancements in this field.

Don't miss this deep dive into Keir’s work, hot topics in the field, and how their PIA is making a difference.

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The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) convenes the global Alzheimer’s and dementia science community. Members share knowledge, fuel collaboration and advance research to find more effective ways to detect, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Professional Interest Areas (PIA) are an assembly of ISTAART members with common subspecialties or interests.

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There are currently 30 PIAs covering a wide range of interests and fields, from the PIA to Elevate Early Career Researchers to Biofluid Based Biomarkers and everything in between. To sign-up to ISTAART and a PIA visit: http://www.istaart.alz.org. Note: ISTAART Membership is free for students worldwide, and for researchers of all levels based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

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To book your place at this year’s AAIC (In-person and online) visit:

http://www.aaic.alz.org

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You can also enjoy this show as a video on our YouTube Channel at:

https://youtu.be/53wt10WyURI

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

Join us for another episode of the ISTAART Relay Podcast from Dementia Research. This time Dr Ece Bayram moves from interviewee to interviewer and chats with Dr Diana Karamacoska, the vice chair of the Partnering with Research Participants PIA.

This episode explores the challenges and breakthroughs in dementia research, with a special focus on engaging underserved communities, and public involvement. Dr Karamacoska shares her personal journey inspired by her grandparents' experiences with dementia, highlighting the gaps in services and the importance of culturally appropriate care.

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Discover how the ISTAART PIAs are transforming dementia research through meaningful partnerships and inclusive practices. Learn about the global shift towards collaboration with research participants and the innovative approaches being used to address disparities in dementia care. Diana also discusses the significance of maintaining well-being while working closely with affected communities and the role of the PIA in supporting researchers.

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Tune in to explore the latest trends, including the exciting initiatives planned for the upcoming Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia, and understand why the Partnering with Research Participants PIA is unique in its dedication to patient and public involvement.

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The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) convenes the global Alzheimer’s and dementia science community. Members share knowledge, fuel collaboration and advance research to find more effective ways to detect, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Professional Interest Areas (PIA) are an assembly of ISTAART members with common subspecialties or interests.

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There are currently 30 PIAs covering a wide range of interests and fields, from the PIA to Elevate Early Career Researchers to Biofluid Based Biomarkers and everything in between. To sign-up to ISTAART and a PIA visit: http://www.istaart.alz.org - Note: ISTAART Membership is free for students worldwide, and for researchers of all levels based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

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To book your place at this year’s AAIC (In-person and online) visit:

http://www.aaic.alz.org

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You can also enjoy this show as a video on our YouTube Channel at:

https://youtu.be/g6bVYyhNFV8

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.