Of Mice and Men… and Toxins: The Environmental Link to Dementia

In this special episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is joined by Dr Ahmad Khundakar (Teesside University), Anna Wilson (South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), and Professor Mani Santhana Krishnan (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) to explore the complex and often misunderstood relationship between delirium and dementia. The conversation examines how these conditions overlap, why they’re frequently confused, and the consequences of misdiagnosis, particularly in hospital and care settings. Drawing on academic research, clinical practice, and personal experience, the guests discuss how delirium presents, the tools used to detect it, and what needs to change to improve care and outcomes. Listen to this podcast to learn about subtypes like hypoactive delirium, hear real-world examples of how family involvement can make a difference, and discover why non-drug interventions are so important. This episode is an essential listen for anyone working in dementia care or research, as well as for caregivers and families. -- For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: 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. If you prefer to watch rather than listen, check out the video version in Spotify, YouTube or on our website. -- 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/ 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

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 final episode of the current series, Trevor Salomon is joined by Dr Pippa Collins from the University of Southampton to interview Dr Sarah Kate Smith. Sarah is based at The University of Manchester and NIHR ARC Greater Manchester, and is an NIHR and Alzheimer’s Society Demm Comm Fellow. Her work focuses on brain health and dementia prevention, particularly examining how physical activity in midlife could reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. With a background in psychology and a PhD in health services research, Sarah brings expertise in creative and inclusive research methodologies that enable the involvement of people living with dementia and their families. In this conversation, we explore the challenges of dementia prevention research, how risk reduction differs from the idea of outright prevention, and the importance of public and patient involvement in designing ethical and accessible interventions. Sarah also shares insight into an upcoming project exploring access to brain health clinics among minority ethnic groups and reflects on her career journey, motivations, and what keeps her going. - 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: 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. If you prefer to listen rather than watch, check out our website, or your favourite podcast app. -- 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/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

In this podcast, host Dr Amanda Heslegrave explores the rapidly evolving field of blood-based biomarkers in dementia research. These biomarkers offer exciting potential for quicker, more accessible dementia diagnosis, raising crucial questions about clinical readiness and implementation. -- Amanda is joined by two expert guests: Dr Jay Amin, University of Southampton – A clinician specialising in dementia, researching inflammation and immune biomarkers, particularly focused on diagnostics and prognosis. Dr Mark Roskey, Quanterix – Senior VP involved in developing ultra-sensitive biomarker detection technologies crucial for dementia research. Together, they discuss current developments, practical hurdles, ethical considerations, and future prospects of blood-based biomarkers, sharing perspectives from clinical, research, and industry viewpoints. -- Topics Covered: 🔷 Overview and current landscape of blood-based biomarkers 🔷 Technological advancements and scientific challenges 🔷 Ethical implications of early diagnosis 🔷 Role of collaboration between academia, clinics, and industry Essential Resources: Dementia Research Institute’s Biomarker Factory - https://bit.ly/3ZRggYR Quanterix Simoa technology - https://bit.ly/43wfanF ADAPT-AD and READ-OUT Studies - https://bit.ly/4dP2fRr -- For guest biographies, a full transcript and much more visit: 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. If you prefer to watch rather listen rather than listen, headover to YouTube, Spotify or our website. -- 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/ 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 --

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. Over the next few months, we will be releasing the second series, hearing from five of the Dem Comm Fellows each taking e 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 Dr Katie Breheny from Bristol University and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West to interview Dr Pippa Collins. Pippa Collins is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow based at the University of Southampton and NIHR ARC Wessex. Her research primarily addresses the critical aspects of end-of-life care, frailty, and dementia. In this discussion, we explore her work aimed at enhancing the recognition and management of the end-of-life period for people living with dementia. Pippa highlights the importance of shifting from traditional medicalised models of palliative care towards a holistic and personalised "palliative approach," focusing on recognising individual trajectories and vulnerabilities. Her goal is to foster improvements in dementia care practices by better educating healthcare professionals, supporting families, and integrating patient-centred care pathways that respect each individual's emotional, social, and cognitive needs. -- 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: 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. If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast on our website & on YouTube. -- 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/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

Recorded live at the BNA 2025 Festival of Neuroscience, this special episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast explores how researchers can build visibility in authentic and meaningful ways. Host Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University is joined by Dr Ian Harrison from University College London, Dr Ekta Patel from the Medicines Discovery Catapult and Professor Fiona Ducotterd from the ARUK Drug Discovery Institute at UCL. They provide practical and personal discussion on raising your academic profile — both online and in real life. Together, they reflect on the challenges and benefits of self-promotion, share strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, and offer advice on making the most of networking opportunities. They also talk about the power of storytelling, volunteering, and showing up as your real self in academic spaces. Whether you're just getting started or trying to take the next step in your career, this episode offers relatable insights and actionable tips. -- Top Takeaways: ✍️ Start small — writing blog posts, joining a committee, or talking to someone new at a conference all count. 🔁 Reframe self-promotion as sharing your work with purpose and generosity. 🧱 Visibility builds confidence, not the other way around — and it’s something you can practise over time. 🗣️ Your perspective matters — you don’t need to be the loudest voice, just an authentic one. 🤝 The people behind the science are just as important as the science itself. -- 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 Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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

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

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

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

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