This episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast continues our coverage from the AD PD Conference 2026 in Copenhagen, one of the largest international meetings focused on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Hosted by Professor Louise Serpell, the conversation brings together Athina Grigoriou, Dr Lauren O’Neill, and Dr Sofie Let Frandsen, each sharing highlights from across the conference.

The discussion spans a wide range of topics, from the biological role of alpha synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction, through to emerging therapeutic targets and the growing importance of biomarkers. There is a strong focus on how diseases are more complex and varied than once thought, with increasing attention on stratification, personalised medicine, and early detection.

Alongside the science, the episode also reflects on the importance of patient voices, collaboration across disciplines, and the value of sharing both positive and negative research findings.

This is Part Two of our AD PD 2026 reflections, offering a thoughtful look at where the field is heading next.

ADPD Conference Website - adpd.kenes.com/

Top Takeaways:

• Alpha synuclein may have a normal physiological role, not just a pathological one
• Mitochondrial dysfunction remains central in Parkinson’s mechanisms
• Biomarkers are key for both early detection and patient stratification
• Diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia are highly heterogeneous
• Personalised medicine is becoming a realistic goal, not just an idea
• New therapeutic targets beyond dopamine are emerging
• Early stage and presymptomatic intervention is a major focus
• Patient and carer perspectives remain underrepresented but essential
• Collaboration and openness, including sharing negative results, are vital
• More diverse populations are needed to validate biomarkers globally

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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This episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast comes from the AD PD Conference 2026 in Copenhagen, bringing together global researchers to share the latest in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research.

Hosted by Professor David Cash, the episode features Grace Thompson, Dr Marieta Vassileva, and Dr Alice Carstairs, each offering their own highlights from across the conference.

Rather than trying to cover everything, the conversation focuses on standout talks and emerging themes. These include advances in biomarkers, growing interest in co pathology, the role of neuroinflammation, and how new tools like AI and multiomics are changing how we understand disease.

Across the discussion, the group reflects on what new findings might mean for diagnosis, treatment, and the future direction of dementia research. There is also a strong sense of optimism, with the field moving towards combination therapies and earlier intervention.

This is Part One of a two part series capturing reflections from the conference.

ADPD Conference Website - adpd.kenes.com/

Top Takeaways:

• Biomarkers are now central across diagnosis, prediction, and trials
• Co pathology is a major theme, with diseases rarely existing in isolation
• Tau is emerging as a key driver of cognitive decline
• Microglia and neuroinflammation offer new therapeutic targets
• Multiomics is helping uncover detailed disease mechanisms
• AI is becoming essential for handling complex datasets
• Early career researchers are playing a visible role at major conferences
• Synaptic loss is strongly linked to cognitive decline
• Combination therapies are increasingly seen as the future
• The field feels more optimistic than in previous years

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a group of language led dementias where communication difficulties appear before memory loss. Despite this, diagnosis can often take years and access to specialist support remains inconsistent.

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Annalise Rahman Filipiak speaks with Professor Jason Warren, Dr Anna Volkmer and Dr Jacqueline Kindell about the role of speech and language therapy in diagnosing and supporting people living with PPA. The discussion explores why diagnosis is often delayed, how speech and language therapists contribute to multidisciplinary assessment and care pathways, and why early referral can make a meaningful difference for patients and families.

The conversation also looks at international differences in access to services, the importance of communication support across the course of the condition, and the growing global movement to improve awareness through Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day.

PPA Awareness Day 2026 - speechtherapyppa.com/ppa-awareness-day

About the guests

Jason Warren - Professor of Neurology at University College London and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. His research focuses on dementia, language disorders and diagnostic markers for primary progressive aphasia.

Anna Volkmer - Associate Professor and Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at University College London. Her work focuses on communication interventions and support for people living with primary progressive aphasia and their families.

Jacqueline Kindell - Speech and Language Therapist and Lecturer at The University of Manchester with extensive clinical and research experience in dementia and communication disorders.

Key Takeaways

• Primary progressive aphasia is a group of dementias where language difficulties appear before memory problems, which often makes diagnosis harder.
• Diagnosis can take several years because many dementia assessment tools focus on memory rather than communication and language.
• Speech and language therapists play an important role in diagnosing PPA by assessing language, communication and motor speech changes.
• Speech and language therapy is currently the main treatment available to help people with PPA manage communication difficulties.
• Early referral to speech and language therapy helps people and families adapt communication strategies and plan for future changes.
• Access to specialist speech and language therapy services varies widely depending on where people live.
• Communication support can improve quality of life and reduce wider pressures on health services by improving understanding between patients, families and clinicians.
• Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day aims to improve recognition of the condition and promote early referral to speech and language therapy.

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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In this episode, Professor Louise Serpell is joined by 2026 Rainwater Prize winners Professor Dennis Dickson, Professor Melissa Murray and Dr Marc Busche.

They talk about their work and the science that led to them earning this much deserved award, reflecting on decades of research into tau and its role in neurodegenerative disease. The conversation explores how tau functions in the healthy brain, how it becomes harmful in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, and why certain brain regions are especially vulnerable.

The discussion covers different forms of tau, including soluble species that may disrupt how neurons fire before visible tangles appear. Brain banking, imaging and fluid biomarkers are highlighted as key tools for understanding disease differences and improving diagnosis. The importance of rare MAPT mutations and what they can teach us about future treatments is also explored.

Alongside the science, there are thoughtful reflections on mentorship, risk taking and the value of asking ambitious questions in dementia research.

Key Takeaways

• Tau is essential but context dependent. It is vital for normal brain function, yet changes in its chemistry, structure or location can drive neurodegeneration.
• Tangles are not the whole story. Soluble tau species can disrupt neuronal firing, even in single cells, before visible aggregates appear.
• Selective vulnerability defines tauopathies. Disorders such as PSP consistently affect specific brain regions & cell types, including glia, & we do not fully understand why.
• One biomarker does not fit all. Tau PET and fluid markers behave differently across Alzheimer’s disease and primary tauopathies, reflecting structural differences in tau.
• Progress depends on bold science. High risk experiments, strong mentorship and access to the right tools are essential for moving the field forward.

Find out more about the Rainwater Foundation:

https://rainwatercharitablefoundation.org/

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In this episode of the Dementia Research Podcast, host Dr Gemma Lace is joined by guests, Dr Eric Hill from Loughborough University, Kalliopi Mavromati from University of Glasgow, Natalie Wickett from Simon Fraser University and Dr Kate Harris from Newcastle University.

Together they discuss the intersection of ADHD and research, exploring personal experiences, misconceptions, and coping strategies. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by researchers with ADHD, the importance of understanding and empathy in academic settings, and the various ways individuals navigate their symptoms. The discussion also touches on the role of medication and the need for tailored approaches to support neurodiverse individuals in academia.

• ADHD is often misunderstood and is much more than visible hyperactivity.
• People with ADHD do not lack attention, but can struggle to direct it consistently.
• Hyperfocus can lead to intense productivity, followed by emotional or physical crashes.
• Academic culture, with its constant evaluation and rejection, can amplify ADHD challenges.
• Rejection sensitivity can feel physically painful and trigger fight or flight responses.
• Clear expectations and structured communication reduce anxiety and procrastination.
• Breaking work into smaller deadlines can support momentum and reduce overwhelm.
• Medication can be life changing for some, but it is not a complete solution on its own.
• Hormonal shifts can significantly influence ADHD symptoms, particularly for women.
• Curiosity, empathy and flexibility create more supportive research environments for neurodivergent colleagues.

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In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, host Adam Smith chats with with Professor Paul Freemont and researcher Tom Adam from the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London to discuss the critical issue of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals living with dementia.

The conversation highlights the complexities of diagnosing UTIs in people living with dementia, where communication barriers and atypical presentations often lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary hospitalisations. The guests emphasise the urgent need for improved detection methods, as UTIs can exacerbate cognitive decline and lead to severe health complications. They talk about their work to develop and introduce an innovative novel point-of-care diagnostic device designed specifically for dementia patients, which aims to facilitate early detection of UTIs in a home and care home setting, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional symptom reporting and hospital visits.

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In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, we focus on Lewy body dementia and why it remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed forms of dementia.

Released ahead of Lewy Body Dementia Day on 28 January, the conversation explores what Lewy body dementia is, how it sits between existing diagnostic categories, and why it often takes years for people to receive the right diagnosis.

Host Dr Sam Moxon is joined by three researchers working on Lewy body dementia from very different angles. Dr Ece Bayram, Assistant Research Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, whose work explores differences in risk, progression and diagnosis across sex, gender, ethnicity and race. Dr Joe Kane, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lecturer, who combines clinical care with research into diagnosis, service delivery and clinical trials. Dr David Koss, Lecturer and Group Lead at the University of Dundee, studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Lewy body dementia

Together, they unpack why Lewy body dementia does not follow a neat clinical pathway, how overlapping symptoms can lead to confusion with Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease, and why uncertainty in diagnosis affects everything from care planning to research outcomes.

The discussion highlights the real world consequences of misdiagnosis, including inappropriate treatments, faster than expected progression, and the emotional toll on families and care partners. The guests also reflect on how limited awareness of Lewy body dementia continues to shape health services, research recruitment and public understanding.

Across the episode, a clear theme emerges: Lewy body dementia cannot be understood from a single perspective. Clinical insight, biological research and population level studies all need to connect if progress is to be made.

Key takeaways

• Lewy body dementia includes dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia
• Symptoms extend beyond memory and can include hallucinations, sleep disturbance, fluctuations and movement changes
• Diagnosis is frequently delayed due to overlapping features with other dementias
• Misdiagnosis can lead to harmful treatments and inappropriate care planning
• Care partners play a central role in both diagnosis and ongoing support
• Research cohorts often lack diversity, limiting understanding of the
• Cellular mechanisms such as alpha synuclein dysfunction remain an important area of study
• Early and accurate diagnosis improves care, planning and research quality
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to understanding the disease
• Public awareness is key to improving detection, funding and outcomes

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This episode shares highlights from the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI) Connectome Conference. Host Dr Anna Mallach is joined by Dr Dayne Beccano Kelly, Dr Beth Eyre, and Tom Adam to reflect on talks, posters, and discussions that stood out.

The conversation covers lived experience sessions, keynote talks, early career presentations, and how informal conversations and parallel sessions shaped ideas and potential collaborations. The episode offers a snapshot of the breadth of work presented across the institute and the importance of connecting people as well as science.

Find out more about the UKDRI:

https://www.ukdri.ac.uk/

Watch our YouTube Shorts Series, with conference attendees presenting their posters in under 3 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeUI1GHB4EvRFJl8tRC-wq5RxkDKF9twU

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This festive special flips the script on polished papers and perfect protocols. Dr Fiona McLean is joined by Dr Ian Harrison, Dr Soraya Meftah, and Dr Kate Harris to share the research moments that did not go to plan but taught them far more than success ever could. From ELISAs gone rogue and antibodies that refuse to behave, to admin systems that quietly derail months of planning, this episode is a reminder that real research is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally hilarious. The conversation moves easily between lab disasters, student supervision realities, near misses with fire, and the emotional rollercoaster of academic life. It is light hearted, reassuring, and (hopefully) relatable. A permission slip to laugh, reflect, and remember that being wrong is often part of doing good science. Merry Christmas from all of us! -- Top takeaways - Most experiments do not fail, they redirect - Unexpected results often open better research questions - Rushing protocols almost always backfires - Admin failures can be as stressful as lab failures - Talking openly about what went wrong saves time and money - Students learn more from troubleshooting than from perfect results - Publishing negative findings can help an entire field - Being wrong is built into the scientific method - Giving yourself time and mental space matters - If no one was hurt, it is probably recoverable A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available 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 Research Fails 02:07 Learning from Mistakes in Research 04:53 Unexpected Outcomes and Their Value 05:53 The Importance of Data in Research 08:38 Navigating Challenges in Experiments 11:33 The Role of Collaboration in Research 14:40 Discovering New Avenues from Failures 15:40 The Importance of Literature in Research 16:41 Experiences of Discovery and Optimization in Research 17:51 Near-Death Experiences in the Lab 19:34 Lessons from Lab Mishaps 20:57 Administrative Chaos in Research 26:52 The Culture of Silence Around Research Failures 33:16 Navigating Criticism and Feedback in Academia 36:51 Navigating Experimental Challenges 38:43 The Temptation of Over-Experimenting 40:03 Learning from ELISA Mishaps