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

In her latest blog, Yvonne reflects on the pervasive impact of imposter syndrome in academia, particularly as a Principal Investigator (PI). She candidly shares her feelings of inadequacy, attributing her successes to luck and timing rather than skill, while confronting the competitive, often isolating nature of academic life. Yvonne explores the constant self-doubt that accompanies grant applications, lab work, and professional recognition, revealing the emotional toll this takes. Her insights will resonate with many researchers who, despite their achievements, continue to feel like "frauds" in their fields.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-imposter-syndrome-as-a-pi/

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Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK 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 @dr_yvonne_couch

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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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Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. For the past year Emily has been sharing her journey through pregnancy, maternity leave, and now the return to work! This month Emily shares the challenges and small victories she’s experienced since returning from maternity leave. With the academic year underway, Emily reflects on balancing her research with motherhood—navigating unexpected hurdles like last-minute childcare closures and the lingering self-doubt of revisiting past work. Despite the difficulties, she finds resilience in the support of friends and the flexibility to adjust her plans, learning that progress in academia doesn’t always need to be at full speed. Emily’s candid account highlights the complex yet rewarding journey of combining parenthood with doctoral study.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-unexpected-snags-and-small-wins-as-a-phd-mum/

#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research

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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.

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

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

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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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Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In his guest blog, Bernie McInally, explores the often-overlooked needs of LGBTQ+ residents in care homes. Reflecting on his initial scepticism of the potential recruitment of LGBTQ+ community into studies, Bernie examines the unique challenges this group faces, including potential social isolation, distrust of care staff, and an increased risk of dementia due to health disparities. He highlights the importance of inclusivity in care home research to better understand and address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ residents, aiming for a future where this community receives equal recognition and support in healthcare.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-lgbtq-in-care-home-research/

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Bernie McInally is a Clinical Studies Officer at NHS Lothian and the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network. Bernie's background is in Nursing, working in Mental Health and with Older People. He retired from full time NHS clinical work, and is now back working in Clinical Research supporting delivery of the Enabling Research in Care Homes (ENRICH) Scotland. He is passionate about research delivery, and opening access to people in all communities.

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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, 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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Yasmin Bonsu, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Yasmin explores the pitfalls of self-comparison that many students face as they approach graduation. She discusses how comparing herself to others on platforms like LinkedIn can sometimes be motivating, pushing her to aim higher academically. However, she also recognises the downside, where constant comparisons can lead to self-doubt, skewed perceptions of success, and even missed opportunities. By setting boundaries, focusing on personal goals, and embracing her own achievements, Yasmin shares her strategies for turning comparison into a tool for growth rather than a source of frustration.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-comparison-trap-finding-balance-in-your-final-year/

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Yasmin Bonsu is an an undergraduate student from the University of Manchester currently undertaking a placement year at Wade-Martins Lab at Oxford University. Yasmin is investigating the activity of proteoforms of the granin family in cortical neurons insulted with oligomerised amyloid beta. Her goal is to finish her placement year, earn her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, and then pursue a PhD in clinical neuroscience. Through Yasmin's blogs we'll gain insights on life as an undergraduate, and hopefully inspire others to pursue a career in dementia research. @yasminnnx2

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

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-dementia-friendly-spaces/

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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.

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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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Amelia Robson, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

In this blog, Amelia reflects on her experiences working with people living with dementia during her home sleep studies. She discusses how TV adverts, especially those focused on dementia, can unexpectedly evoke powerful emotions during her visits, creating poignant and sometimes uncomfortable moments for both her and the caregivers. Amelia also shares the delicate balance between maintaining professionalism and managing her own emotions, while remaining fully committed to the well-being of her patients.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-why-i-have-a-complicated-relationship-with-tv-adverts/

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Amelia Robson is a Research Assistant at Northumbria University supporting delivery of NHS Clinical Trials, particularly in working with Dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease patients. This work currently involves visiting patient’s homes and applying polysomnography sleep equipment on their face, scalp and body. Amelia graduated in Psychology in 2021 and is passionate about supporting people living with the dementia, and providing help for care givers. Her top tip.... Trust your Gut to stay on the right path. Follow Amelia Robson on LinkedIn

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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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Ella Moonan-Howard, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. The Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new support package called "Launchpad," designed to help innovators turn dementia research into impactful products. Led by Senior Innovator Ella Moonan-Howard, this programme offers tailored business coaching, expert networks, and hands-on support to help researchers develop viable business models and secure pilot opportunities. Launchpad is free and part-time, making it accessible for researchers alongside their academic roles. Applications open on 14th October. Find out more - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/our-research/dementia-innovation/launchpad Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-alzheimers-society-newest-support-package-launchpad/

#HealthInnovation #VentureScience #Innovation

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Dr Ella Moonan-Howard is a Senior Innovator at the Alzheimer's Society. Ella previous worked at Zinc, supporting early stage start-ups and their founders to build research skills and to test their products as they built them. Obsessed with seeing the direct impact these start-ups could make, she moved to Alzheimer's Society to ensure the next generation of dementia products go on to achieve scale and change the lives of those living with dementia. Find Ella on LinkedIn

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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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