Dementia Researcher

• The Road To AAIC Neuroscience Next 2026

  In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, host Adam Smith discusses the upcoming AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference with guests Tricia Nicholson, Dr Amanda Heslgrave, and Kalli Mavromati. They explore the unique hybrid format of the conference, which combines in-person and virtual elements, making it accessible to a global audience. The conversation highlights the focus on biomarkers in dementia research, the importance of early career researchers, and the abstract submission process, providing valuable tips for potential presenters. The episode emphasizes the conference's goal of fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge within the dementia research community. -- Takeaways: • The AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference is free and accessible to all. Taking place across 6 countries and online from the 23rd to 26th February 2026. • The UK hub will focus on biomarker advancements in dementia diagnosis, with a full in-person conference on the 26th February. • The conference aims to support early career researchers in dementia research. • A unique hybrid format allows for both in-person and virtual participation. • Abstract submissions open on September 22nd and are encouraged from all researchers. From basic science to dementia care. • The UK Hub is particularly keen for researchers to submit abstract in biomarker domains. o Fluid Biomarkers o Cognitive Assessments o Physiological and Behavioural Biomarkers o Neuroimaging o Technology Biomarkers -- For more information on the global event visit: https://www.alz.org/neurosciencenext/overview.asp For information on the UK Hub visit: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/aaic-neuroscience-next-2026-manchester-uk/ -- 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 NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association. -- 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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• Caring, Connecting, Changing

  In this episode we welcome three GBHI Fellows: guest host and filmmaker Michelle Memran, documentary photographer Alex Kornhuber, and social sciences academic Dr Sonata Mačiulskytė. Together they explore the ways in which caregiving, creativity, and change come together in the context of dementia. Drawing on their experiences of supporting loved ones with dementia, they reflect on how these personal journeys have influenced their professional work and shaped their understanding of the disease. The discussion touches on the early signs of dementia, the transformation of relationships through caregiving, and the importance of early diagnosis. The conversation also considers the significance of documenting caregiving experiences and the need to reshape the narrative around dementia. By sharing stories and creative perspectives, the guests highlight how shifting this narrative can foster greater awareness, empathy, and understanding. -- Takeaways • Caregiving is a deeply personal journey that shapes professional work. • Recognising early signs of dementia can be challenging but crucial. • Relationships with loved ones can transform through the caregiving experience. • Early diagnosis can lead to better care and understanding. • Documenting caregiving experiences can foster connection and awareness. • Language and narrative around dementia need to change for better understanding. • Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone in their caregiving journey. • The experience of dementia is unique to each individual and family. • Advocacy for brain health should start early in life. For more information on the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Program visit: https://www.gbhi.org/ -- 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 NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association. -- 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/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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• Failing Forward: What My Grant Rejection Taught Me

  Grant rejection is part of every researcher’s journey — and it never stops, no matter your career stage. In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Fiona McLean (Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow at the University of Dundee, studying links between metabolic syndrome, learning and memory) speaks with: -- Dr Sarah Marzi — Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and UK DRI group leader, researching the epigenome in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Kate Harris — Research Fellow at Newcastle University, soon to be Senior Lecturer, specialising in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly — UK DRI Future Leader Fellow and group leader at Cardiff University, focusing on synaptic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. Together they share personal experiences of failed applications, from crushing first rejections to the resilience that comes with time, blending honest stories with practical strategies. -- In this episode: 💬 First-hand stories of fellowship and project grant rejections 📝 How to use reviewer feedback — even when it’s unhelpful ✍️ Why writing style and clarity can change your funding chances 🎯 Choosing funders whose remit truly fits your work 🍦 Coping strategies, from ice cream to badminton to music 💪 Building resilience and knowing when to rework or drop an idea 🤝 The value of mentors, networks and peer support 🎧 Listen to learn why rejection isn’t the end — and how it can be the start of a better grant. -- Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: http://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 NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association. -- Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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• AAIC Day Four 2025 Highlights

  In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) day two and day three of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July. -- Dr Shea Andrews, Assistant Professor at University of California San Francisco hosts the show with special guests: Dr Joe Butler, NIHR ARC Research Fellow at University of Sunderland Dr Lindsey Sinclair, Clinical Research Fellow & Consultant in Old Age Psychiatrist at University of Bristol Dr Harriet Demnitz-King, Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London -- 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 came from Professor Sharon Naismith from University of Sydney, Australia giving a talk titled "Waking Up to the Importance of Sleep in MCI and AD" and Professor Katrin Andreasson, M.D. with a talk titled "Restoring Hippocampal Glucose Metabolism Rescues Cognition Across Alzheimer’s Disease Pathologies". -- 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 NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

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• AAIC Day Three 2025 Highlights

  In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) day two and day three of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July. -- Dr Connor Richardson, NIHR / Alzheimer's Society Dem Comm Research Fellow from University of Newcastle hosts the show with special guests: Sára Zsadányi, PhD Student at Sant Pau Memory Unit – Neuroimaging Core and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Dr Tatiana Giovannucci, Alzheimer's Association Research Fellow Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer's Society 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 came from Professor Inhee Mook-Jung Seoul National University, Korea with a talk titled "The Gut-Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease: Unraveling Pathogenesis and Exploring Novel Therapeutic Strategies" and Dr Juan Fortea, Memory Unit Director — Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Spain with a talk titled "Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome". @alzassociation #aaic25 #aaic -- 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 NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.

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