Dementia Researcher

• 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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• Conference Lightning Talks: Preparation to Performance

  In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Adam Smith (Programme Director at UCL) is joined by Dr Sam Moxon, Dr Lindsey Sinclair, and Dr Ece Bayram to explore the art of delivering lightning talks. Together they share practical advice on structuring short presentations, handling nerves, designing impactful slides, and engaging diverse audiences. With personal anecdotes and strategies from their own conference experiences, this discussion offers valuable guidance for early career researchers preparing to present their work with clarity and confidence. -- Takeaways • Lightning talks are concise presentations, usually under five minutes. • Strong preparation is essential for success. • An engaging delivery leaves a lasting impression. • Slides should support the message, not overwhelm it. • Rehearse to the clock to stay on time. • Personal touches help connect with the audience. • Focus on one key message instead of overloading with detail. • Use clear, accessible language throughout. • Treat the format as a teaser that sparks curiosity. • Lightning talks are excellent opportunities for early career researchers. -- If you would like to deliver a lightning talk at the ARUK Conference or AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference in February 2026 – get your abstracts submitted by October 22nd 2025. https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/research-conference/abstracts-2026 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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• 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. Register to attend: https://www.alz.org/neurosciencenext/overview.asp -- 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 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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