The Microbiome and the Brain

Prof. Klaus Ebmeier is the Foundation Chair of Old Age Psychiatry. In this interview he gives his point of view on dementia, normal aging and why new treatments are not yet effective. He also explains why failure is the bread-and-butter of research and gives valuable advice to future researchers.

An interview with Professor Phil Burnet, who discusses his research into the influence of the gut microbiome on brain health. He talks about novel findings, potential future work, and takes questions from trainee psychiatrists and researchers.

Professor Daniel Freeman discusses his research into how psychosis can be treated through the use of cognitive behavioural techniques Professor Daniel Freeman is interviewed by Daniel Maughan about his current randomised controlled treatment trials. This is a test of a new targeted, personalised psychological treatment for persecutory delusions, called the Feeling Safe Programme. This is a translational treatment built upon advances in the theoretical understanding of paranoia. Produced by Wayne Davies at the University Department of Psychiatry

Dr Charlotte Allan, Academic Clinical Lecturer in Old Age Psychiatry, gives a talk in conjunction with the University Engagement Programme at the Ashmolean Museum. Psychiatry is not often thought of as a pictorial discipline, but observation and close attention to detail are important aspects of the discipline. This talk describes a teaching programme for Psychiatrists developed in conjunction with the University Engagement Programme at the Ashmolean Museum. It focuses on two themes discussed during this programme: Exploring emotion and Age and ageing. This talk was recorded for the Association for the Study of Medical Education (ASME) in June 2014. Thank are due to Dr Jim Harris, Andrew W Mellon Foundation Teaching Curator at the Ashmolean Museum, and to Wayne Davies, Department of Psychiatry, for IT and audio-visual support in creating this podcast.

Dr Charlotte Allan, Academic Clinical Lecturer in Old Age Psychiatry, closes The Oxford Conference on Ageing and Psychiatry. The Oxford Conference on Ageing and Psychiatry aimed to introduce and inspire junior doctors to consider a career in old age psychiatry. Charlotte Allan sums up highlights from the conference and reflects on the career opportunities available in this specialty.

Dr Clare Mackay, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, gives a talk for the Oxford Conference on Psychiatry and Ageing. The MRC Dementia's platform is facilitating greater connections between dementia research cohorts to boost research. Clare Mackay describes the breadth and scope of this project, and the tremendous potential that linking data across large cohorts can have for research discoveries in dementia.

Dr Emma O'Brien, Science Communications Officer, Alzheimer's Research UK gives a talk for the Oxford Conference on Psychiatry and Ageing. There are many opportunities for medical students and doctors to undertake research relevant to old age psychiatry, particularly dementia. Emma O'Brien talks about funding opportunities for junior doctors and the benefits of a clinical academic career.

Prof Klaus Ebmeier, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, gives a talk for the Oxford Conference on Psychiatry and Ageing. The Whitehall Imaging sub-study combines MRI brain imaging with detailed clinical and psychological material acquired over a 30 year period. Klaus Ebmeier presents his latest research findings and discusses factors in mid-life that affect brain structure in later-life.

Marianne Talbot, author and philospher, gives a talk for the Oxford Conference on Psychiatry and Ageing. Marianne Talbot has experience as a carer and advocate for carers. She discusses her personal experiences and talks about the role of psychiatrists in helping to care for her mother.

Dr Hugh Series, Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, Oxford Health NHS FT, gives a talk for the Oxford Conference on Psychiatry and Ageing. Ethical and legal issues are an important part of old age psychiatry. Hugh Series discusses current controversies relating to DOLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) and considers the pros and cons of the current system.