Episodes

  • Building Insights Brick by Brick: Lego Serious Play

    Building Insights Brick by Brick: Lego Serious Play
    Apr 26 2025
    In this podcast, host Dr Anna Volkmer explores the use of Lego Serious Play as a research tool / methodology in dementia and neurodegenerative disease studies. Traditionally used in therapy and organisational development, Lego Serious Play is now finding its way into the research world—helping researchers, participants, and stakeholders express complex ideas, foster collaboration, and build deeper insights (literally and metaphorically). Anna is joined by a panel of expert guests: Dr Warren Donnellan, University of Liverpool – a trained facilitator of Lego Serious Play who applies it to resilience and carer research. Dr Alys Griffiths, University of Sheffield – who has integrated the method into dementia studies and her work in Motor Neuron Disease. Dr Joe Langley, Sheffield Hallam University – known for combining design thinking and participatory research methods, including Lego Serious Play, in health and care settings. Together, they explore the origins, applications, and benefits of this playful method, share case studies, and reflect on how building with Lego can break down communication barriers and empower participants—particularly those with dementia. -- Topics covered: 🔷What is Lego Serious Play and how does it work in research? 🔷Insights into resilience and the carer experience 🔷Using play to unlock communication in dementia research 🔷How design thinking intersects with health research -- Essential links / resources mentioned in the show: 🔷An overview of Lego Serious Play: https://www.lego.com/en-us/seriousplay -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. You can also find a video version on our website on YouTube and in Spotify. -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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: http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ http://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher http://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
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    41 mins
  • ADPD 2025 Conference Highlights - Part 2

    ADPD 2025 Conference Highlights - Part 2
    Apr 12 2025
    This year's AD/PD Conference was held in Vienna, Austria from the 1st to 5th April. In this second of a two-part special we bring you highlights from the last three days of the conference. The AD/PD Conference focuses on basic science and translational and clinical research bringing New insights on disease mechanisms and etiologies, the latest findings from clinical trials, innovative outlooks on therapy and prevention and advances in diagnostic markers. In this special on-location recording our guest host Dr Isabel Castanho, Instructor the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School talks with: Dr Emma Garland, Research Associate at The University of Sheffield. An early career researcher with a focus on Alzheimer’s, and an interest in protein pathogenesis, iPSC culture and inflammation in neurodegenerative disease. Susan Rohde, PhD Student at UMC Amsterdam. Susan is a Neurobiologist interested in (healthy) brain aging and related diseases, and currently work on the Dutch 100 Plus Study. Dr Martyna Matuszyk, Research Communications Officer at the Alzheimer’s Society. Supporting the charity to communicate dementia research with the public, having previously completed a PhD and Postdoc working on Alzheimer’s and MND. -- Here are just a few highlights from the discussion: 🧬 1. "This is why we do the science." A powerful and emotional talk from Trevor Salamon, sharing his wife's journey with young onset dementia, reminded the audience what it's all really about. 🧠 2. Can your gut give you Parkinson’s? Discover new research showing how toxic proteins may travel from the gut to the brain — and how mini organoids are helping researchers prove it. 🧫 3. Microglia, mice, and human brains… all pointing to the same gene? Explore how two researchers independently found SPP1 upregulated in Alzheimer’s immunotherapy studies — in both mice and humans. 🧪 4. PhD students are stealing the show From organoid development to cutting-edge methylation studies, early-career researchers are producing some of the most exciting work on display. 💬 5. "I saw your name on the poster and had to say hello" Hear how chance meetings, shared lab lines, and QR code posters are turning scientific conferences into hubs of unexpected connection. -- For more information on the event visit: https://www.adpd.kenes.com Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - https://youtu.be/PghjSzaamnc -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher -- Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
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    54 mins
  • ADPD 2025 Conference Highlights - Part 1

    ADPD 2025 Conference Highlights - Part 1
    Apr 12 2025
    This year's AD/PD Conference was held in Vienna, Austria from the 1st to 5th April. In this first of a two-part special we bring you highlights from the first three days of the conference. The AD/PD Conference focuses on basic science and translational and clinical research bringing New insights on disease mechanisms and etiologies, the latest findings from clinical trials, innovative outlooks on therapy and prevention and advances in diagnostic markers. In this special on-location recording our guest host Dr Amanda Heslegrave, Principle Investigator and Co-Lead of fluid biomarker laboratory from the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London talks with: Dr Loukia Katsouri, Senior Research Fellow at the UCL Gatsby Foundation. Loukia studies the molecular mechanisms of tau propagation in Alzheimer’s disease. She aims to understand how the presence of tau is affecting the spread and the severity of the disease. Dr Anna Mallach, Research Fellow in the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London. Anna’s work focusses on understanding the role of cellular interactions in contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Imogen Swift, Research Scientist at Vesper Bio. Imogen is a neuroscience specialist focusing on biomarker and preclinical development in neurodegenerative therapeutics spanning frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's Disease. Here are just a few highlights from the discussion: 🧠 1. Can AI spot cognitive decline in mice before humans can? Discover how machine learning is transforming mouse model analysis to predict impairment – and the surprising gender and breeding effects researchers uncovered. 💊 2. Drug repurposing breakthroughs: affordable hope on the horizon? Find out why microglial activity, mitochondrial senescence, and asthma meds could be the future of dementia drug discovery – without starting from scratch. 🧬 3. Parkinson’s redefined – biologically, not clinically A bold proposal to ditch clinical diagnosis in Parkinson’s research in favour of biomarker-based subtyping. Could it revolutionise how trials are run? 🧫 4. Astrocytes take centre stage – and they might be phagocytosing synapses New data shows waves of astroglial activity and potential astro-microglial crosstalk in Parkinson’s disease – with serious implications for how we model disease. 🩸 5. Could a finger prick diagnose dementia? From dried blood spot kits to large-scale remote testing, hear how researchers are racing to make brain biomarker screening as simple as a home test. -- For more information on the event visit: https://www.adpd.kenes.com Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - https://youtu.be/fOsiGjXvBPA -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher -- Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
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    51 mins
  • Of Mice and Men… and Toxins: The Environmental Link to Dementia

    Of Mice and Men… and Toxins: The Environmental Link to Dementia
    Mar 29 2025
    In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Sam Moxon is joined by Dr Adam Schuller, Dr Savannah Rocha-Wrigley, and Megan Hager from Colorado State University's Tjalkens Lab to explore the significant yet often overlooked impact of environmental toxins on dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. This fascinating discussion sheds light on how substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, wildfire smoke, and air pollution can trigger changes in glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, which may lead to dementia. The experts share insights into groundbreaking experimental models, imaging technologies, and the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies to reduce toxin-related risks. -- Key Topics: 🔷Defining environmental toxins and their relevance to dementia 🔷Role of astrocytes and microglia in neurodegeneration 🔷Translational neurotoxicology models 🔷Advanced AI imaging and analysis techniques 🔷Preventative strategies to mitigate environmental risks Essential links / resources mentioned in the show: Tjalkens Lab - https://bit.ly/4hMLO8w Adam Schuller Website - https://bit.ly/3RmSLCk WHO Air Quality & Health - https://bit.ly/3FIxqkd -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. You can also find a video version on our website on YouTube and in Spotify. -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
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    46 mins
  • Minds in Motion: Dr Katie Breheny - Health Economics in Dementia Care

    Minds in Motion: Dr Katie Breheny - Health Economics in Dementia Care
    Mar 17 2025
    The Minds in Motion Podcast from Dementia Researcher in association with the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations and Alzheimer’s Society, brings together NIHR Dem Comm Research Fellows, to talk about their research and careers. In this second series, we hear from five of the Dem Comm Fellows each taking a turn as co-host and guest. Alongside the researchers we have the incredible Trevor Salomon, Alzheimer’s Society Volunteer & Chair of the European Dementia Carers Working Group as our permanent co-host and anchor. In show Trevor is joined by the guest from our previous show Dr Lis Grey from University of Bristol and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West to interview Dr Katie Breheny. Katy works in the NIHR ARC West and University of Bristol. Katie is a health economist focused on improving the way we assess and value healthcare interventions for people living with dementia. Her research explores how traditional health economic methods can be adapted to better capture wellbeing and quality of life in dementia care. With a background in psychology, Katie’s work spans health economics, patient-reported outcomes, and methodological research, ensuring that economic evaluations reflect the real-world needs of individuals, carers, and service providers. She is particularly interested in making assessments more inclusive and meaningful, while also working on innovative projects such as adapting wellbeing questionnaires and developing personalised digital tools to support dementia care. Dem Comm is a 2 year programme funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research and the Alzheimer's Society. It supports a new generation of dementia research leaders, bringing together researchers from different multidisciplinary backgrounds to encourage cross-cutting and community-orientated dementia research projects that can address key gaps in the evidence around dementia care and support, delivering transformative translational research. For information on the Fellowship visit: http://www.arc-wx.nihr.ac.uk/dem-comm-research-fellows For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast, and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast on our website, YouTube and Spotify. 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: http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ http://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
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    26 mins
  • Alzheimer's Research UK Conference Roundup 2025

    Alzheimer's Research UK Conference Roundup 2025
    Mar 3 2025
    Last week we were in Birmingham for this years Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference. Hearing from researchers talking about their work and to learn about the latest discoveries in dementia research. In the show guest host and regular blogger Rebecca Williams talks with Dr Beth Williams, from the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Gargi Roy from Bristol Medical School and Donatella Di Rienzo from the Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute. -- For more information on the event and the great work of Alzheimer’s Research UK visit https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/research-conference Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast with full captions on our YouTube Channel: youtu.be/fuB4Y2KSt94 -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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: www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ twitter.com/demrescommunity www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
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    53 mins
  • Primary Progressive Aphasia: Keeping Connections Alive

    Primary Progressive Aphasia: Keeping Connections Alive
    Feb 17 2025
    In recognition of the first Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Awareness Day, this episode explores how speech and language therapists are working to support people with PPA to maintain communication and preserve connections with their loved ones. Dr Shalom Henderson is joined by three leading experts in speech and language therapy—Dr Anna Volkmer, Dr Jackie Kindell, and Rosemary Townsend—who are pioneering innovative interventions to help people living with PPA navigate the challenges of language loss. Together, they discuss the impact of this progressive condition on communication and relationships, and the critical role that speech therapy plays in maintaining meaningful conversations. -- Key Topics Discussed: 🔹 Understanding PPA – What is primary progressive aphasia, how does it affect speech and language, and how does it differ from other forms of dementia? 🔹 The Impact on Relationships – How communication difficulties affect personal relationships and contribute to social isolation. 🔹 The Role of Speech & Language Therapy – Exploring tailored interventions, communication partner training, and strategies that help families stay connected. 🔹 Barriers to Accessing Therapy – The challenges people face in getting speech and language therapy, and why more awareness is needed. 🔹 PPA Awareness Day (4th April 2025) – The first international awareness day dedicated to PPA, aiming to improve recognition, research, and support for those affected. -- This episode highlights the power of speech therapy in transforming lives, offering practical advice and real-world insights from clinical experts and researchers. 📢 Join the conversation! Mark your calendars for PPA Awareness Day on 4th April and help spread the word about the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. Essential links / resources mentioned in the show: Primary Progressive Aphasia Day - https://bit.ly/3ELrsOX PPA Awareness on Bluesky - https://bit.ly/4gD8OGt COS-PPA - https://bit.ly/4gFmFMu -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. You can also find a video version on our website, in Spotify and on YouTube https://youtu.be/t2k2-UhJjbU. -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre 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/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social -- Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
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    59 mins
  • ILBD Conference Highlights 2025 - Part Two

    ILBD Conference Highlights 2025 - Part Two
    Feb 1 2025
    We're back with Part Two of our special highlights podcasts from the International Lewy Body Dementia Conference in Amsterdam! This time, host Dr Sterre de Boer (Alzheimer’s Centre Amsterdam) leads the discussion with a fantastic panel of experts: 🔹 Salomón Salazar-Londoño (Medical Student, Xavierian University, Colombia & ISTAART Ambassador) 🔹 Dr Lauren Walker (Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow, Newcastle University) 🔹 Dr Felipe Botero Rodriguez (Psychiatrist & Researcher, Stavanger University Hospital, Norway) In this episode, we explore some of the latest breakthroughs and pressing challenges in Lewy body dementia research, including: ✅ The state of DLB research in Latin America, highlighting gaps and opportunities ✅ Neuropathology & biomarker advances – What can pathology teach us about clinical symptoms? ✅ The "Body-First vs. Brain-First" debate – What comes first, and how does it impact diagnosis? ✅ The role of co-pathologies like Alzheimer’s disease and TDP-43 in DLB ✅ How international collaboration is shaping the future of dementia research This episode offers insights for researchers, clinicians, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Lewy body dementia. If you missed Part One, make sure to catch up before diving into this instalment! -- For more updates, follow #ILBDC25 on social media or visit https://www.ilbdc2025.com/ -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode . -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in association with Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia who we thank for their ongoing support. A special thanks to the conference organisers for kindly supporting us to produce this podcast. -- Follow us on social media: http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ http://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher http://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social -- Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
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    54 mins
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