Caring, Connecting, Changing - Stories of Dementia and Research
Dementia Researcher Vodcast
08/31/25
•53m
About
Comments
Featured In
In this episode we welcome three GBHI Fellows: guest host and filmmaker Michelle Memran, documentary photographer Alex Kornhuber, and social sciences academic Dr Sonata Mačiulskytė. Together they explore the ways in which caregiving, creativity, and change come together in the context of dementia.
Drawing on their experiences of supporting loved ones with dementia, they reflect on how these personal journeys have influenced their professional work and shaped their understanding of the disease. The discussion touches on the early signs of dementia, the transformation of relationships through caregiving, and the importance of early diagnosis.
The conversation also considers the significance of documenting caregiving experiences and the need to reshape the narrative around dementia. By sharing stories and creative perspectives, the guests highlight how shifting this narrative can foster greater awareness, empathy, and understanding.
In this episode:
- Caregiving is a deeply personal journey that shapes professional work.
- Recognising early signs of dementia can be challenging but crucial.
- Relationships with loved ones can transform through the caregiving experience.
- Early diagnosis can lead to better care and understanding.
- Documenting caregiving experiences can foster connection and awareness.
- Language and narrative around dementia need to change for better understanding.
- Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone in their caregiving journey.
- The experience of dementia is unique to each individual and family.
- Advocacy for brain health should start early in life.
Sponsored by Famileo. Helping families living with dementia stay close with a personalised printed magazine, delivered monthly. Over a quarter of a million families already use Famileo to stay connected. First month free with code DR26. Visit the Famileo Website
--
A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.
If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.
Leave us a tip:
https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/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 and Register with our Community App:
https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.
Subscribe to our sister show 'De...
Previous Episode
Failing Forward: What My Grant Rejection Taught Me
August 15, 2025
•65m
Grant rejection is part of every researcher’s journey — and it never stops, no matter your career stage. In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Fiona McLean (Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow at the University of Dundee, studying links between metabolic syndrome, learning and memory) speaks with:
- Dr Sarah Marzi — Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and UK DRI group leader, researching the epigenome in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dr Kate Harris — Research Fellow at Newcastle University, soon to be Senior Lecturer, specialising in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly — UK DRI Future Leader Fellow and group leader at Cardiff University, focusing on synaptic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.
Together they share personal experiences of failed applications, from crushing first rejections to the resilience that comes with time, blending honest stories with practical strategies.
In this episode:
- First-hand stories of fellowship and project grant rejections
- How to use reviewer feedback — even when it’s unhelpful
- Why writing style and clarity can change your funding chances
- Choosing funders whose remit truly fits your work
- Coping strategies, from ice cream to badminton to music
- Building resilience and knowing when to rework or drop an idea
- The value of mentors, networks and peer support
Listen to learn why rejection isn’t the end — and how it can be the start of a better grant.
Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:Bouncing Back from Rejection - Adam GrantWhat to do when your grant is rejected--
A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.
If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.
Leave us a tip:
https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/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 and Register with our Community App:
https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.
Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':
Next Episode
The Road To AAIC Neuroscience Next 2026
September 12, 2025
•40m
In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, host Adam Smith discusses the upcoming AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference with guests Tricia Nicholson, Dr Amanda Heslgrave, and Kalli Mavromati. They explore the unique hybrid format of the conference, which combines in-person and virtual elements, making it accessible to a global audience.
The conversation highlights the focus on biomarkers in dementia research, the importance of early career researchers, and the abstract submission process, providing valuable tips for potential presenters. The episode emphasizes the conference's goal of fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge within the dementia research community.
In this episode:
- The AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference is free and accessible to all. Taking place across 6 countries and online from the 23rd to 26th February 2026.
- The UK hub will focus on biomarker advancements in dementia diagnosis, with a full in-person conference on the 26th February.
- The conference aims to support early career researchers in dementia research.
- A unique hybrid format allows for both in-person and virtual participation.
- Abstract submissions open on September 22nd and are encouraged from all researchers. From basic science to dementia care.
The UK Hub is particularly keen for researchers to submit abstract in biomarker domains.
- Fluid Biomarkers
- Cognitive Assessments
- Physiological and Behavioural Biomarkers
- Neuroimaging
- Technology Biomarkers
Follow the event on social media #AAICNeuro
--
A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.
If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.
Leave us a tip:
https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/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 and Register with our Community App:
https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.
Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted