Episodios

  • Dr Emma Law -The Cognitive Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale: The future is coming!
    Nov 25 2025

    Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    Emma reflects on a presentation at the European Alzheimer Disease Consortium that described a fully automated conversational agent to deliver the Cognitive Dementia Rating Scale in clinical trials. She explains how the CDR works, the domains it assesses, and the way scores are used to stage dementia. Emma then weighs the potential benefits of an automated AI version, such as standardisation and reduced subjectivity, against serious concerns about the loss of clinical skill, empathy, and responsiveness to emotion, especially when interviews are distressing for caregivers. She remains undecided, inviting readers to consider whether this future represents progress or a step towards a colder, more distant model of dementia care.

    Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-cognitive-dementia-rating-cdr-scale-the-future-is-coming/

    #DementiaResearch #ClinicalTrials #Research #TrialDelivery

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    Dr Emma Law is Strategic Manager for the The Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. Emma has 13 years experience as a Clinical Trails Network Manager and over 35 years experience as a Nurse, many of which were spent in the delivery of Clinical Research Trials. Emma completed her PhD and is passionate about giving people living with dementia and their carers access to participate in research.

    --

    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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    8 m
  • Dr Peter Connelly - Cognitive Testing
    Nov 19 2025

    Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

    Cognitive tests are central to dementia assessment, but Peter argues we rely on them far more than we should. He traces the history from early intellectual testing through tools such as CAPE and MMSE to modern complex batteries and laboratory measures supported by artificial intelligence. Across clinic and research, he highlights how scores can be misleading when training is poor, scoring is inconsistent, or guessing alters results, especially when small changes are treated as evidence that treatments work or fail. Throughout, he stresses that cognitive scores often relate poorly to what really matters for people with dementia which is how well they manage everyday tasks such as shopping, finances, driving, medication, and meal preparation.

    Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-cognitive-testing/

    --

    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.

    --

    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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    9 m
  • Adam Smith - Finding Your First Research Assistant Role
    Nov 17 2025

    Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

    In this blog Adam offers clear guidance for people seeking their first research assistant role. It explains how building a visible online presence, following authors whose work you admire, reaching out for short conversations, and engaging with communities can help you stand out. It also covers job alerts, broadening the types of roles you consider, attending webinars and conferences, volunteering for small tasks, and preparing strong applications by matching the person specification.

    Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

    https://communities.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/c/undergradudate/if-you-just-left-university-you-probably-got-some-336de1da-5d76-48f5-8027-0408ad5bb8a6

    --

    Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.

    --

    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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    • https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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    6 m
  • Dr Yvonne Couch - Competition in Science
    Nov 14 2025

    Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Yvonne examines how competition influences scientific work, using research on tenure, prestige, field evolution, and the pressures created by short funding cycles. She outlines how incentives in academia shape behaviour at every career stage and explains how systems geared toward rapid output and visible productivity can reshape what counts as valuable or creative work.

    Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-competition-in-science/

    --

    Dr Yvonne Couch is a Research Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research.

    --

    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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    • https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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    11 m
  • Dr Jodi Watt - This Is Not a Goodbye Post (Except It Is, Sort Of)
    Nov 12 2025

    Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In her final post for Dementia Researcher, Jodi shares reflections on moving to a new role after years of writing about the realities of academic life. She looks back on the value of open conversations about uncertainty and community, and offers words of encouragement to others navigating job precarity. With honesty and warmth, she closes this chapter while celebrating the generosity and shared humanity that make research worth doing.

    Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

    https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-this-is-not-a-goodbye-post-except-it-is-sort-of/

    --

    Dr Jodi Watt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Glasgow. Jodi's academic interests are in both healthy ageing and neurodegenerative diseases of older age, and they are currently working on drug repurposing for dementia. Previously they worked on understanding structural, metabolic and physiological brain changes with age, as measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As a queer and neurodiverse person, Jodi is also incredibly interested in improving diversity and inclusion practices both within and outside of the academic context.

    --

    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/
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    4 m
  • Dr Rosie Ashworth - Finding My Path
    Nov 6 2025

    Dr Rosie Ashworth, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Rosie reflects on her journey from studying psychology to building a career in dementia research. What began as a plan to pursue clinical psychology shifted dramatically after a transformative placement working with older adults. She shares how that experience opened her eyes to the importance of older adult psychology, research, and collaboration with people with lived experience. Her story highlights how exposure, mentorship, and curiosity can shape unexpected and rewarding career paths in dementia research. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://communities.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/c/research-chat/i-am-always-interested-in-how-people-end-up-in-cad8ec83-e4a5-4a17-9462-74c6720d85bb --

    Dr Rosie Ashworth is a research psychologist and Patient and Public Involvement Lead at NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network and ENRICH Scotland.

    --

    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/
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    6 m
  • Rebecca Williams - Gamifying Dementia Research
    Nov 5 2025

    Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Rebecca Williams explores how video games could revolutionise dementia research by combining scientific precision with engaging, naturalistic environments. From Sea Hero Quest to experimental ideas born at the Cognitive Computational Neuroscience conference, she reflects on how gaming might enhance data quality and participant experience. However, she cautions that accessibility and intuitive design are essential to ensure these tools benefit everyone, especially older adults. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-gamifying-dementia-research/ --

    Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99

    --

    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/
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    6 m
  • Marian Montanha - Including Research in Every Dementia Diagnosis
    Nov 3 2025

    Marian Montanha, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

    In this blog, Marian argues that research should be a standard part of every dementia diagnosis. Drawing on her experience across the care pathway, she highlights how many people miss out on opportunities to take part in research because it is not routinely discussed or offered. She calls for a shift in how healthcare professionals frame the dementia journey, ensuring research is seen not as an afterthought but as an essential option that provides hope, purpose, and the chance to contribute to progress for future generations. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-including-research-in-every-dementia-diagnosis/ --

    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

    --

    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/
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    https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

    Más Menos
    7 m