Detecting UTIs Early in Dementia

Dementia Researcher Vodcast

02/06/26

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59m

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In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, host Adam Smith chats with with Professor Paul Freemont and researcher Tom Adam from the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London to discuss the critical issue of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals living with dementia.

The conversation highlights the complexities of diagnosing UTIs in people living with dementia, where communication barriers and atypical presentations often lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary hospitalisations. The guests emphasise the urgent need for improved detection methods, as UTIs can exacerbate cognitive decline and lead to severe health complications. They talk about their work to develop and introduce an innovative novel point-of-care diagnostic device designed specifically for dementia patients, which aims to facilitate early detection of UTIs in a home and care home setting, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional symptom reporting and hospital visits.

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.

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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':

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Previous Episode

Three Researchers. One Disease. Lewy Body Dementia

January 23

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47m

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, we focus on Lewy body dementia and why it remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed forms of dementia.

Released ahead of Lewy Body Dementia Day on 28 January, the conversation explores what Lewy body dementia is, how it sits between existing diagnostic categories, and why it often takes years for people to receive the right diagnosis.

Host Dr Sam Moxon is joined by three researchers working on Lewy body dementia from very different angles. Dr Ece Bayram, Assistant Research Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, whose work explores differences in risk, progression and diagnosis across sex, gender, ethnicity and race. Dr Joe Kane, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lecturer, who combines clinical care with research into diagnosis, service delivery and clinical trials. Dr David Koss, Lecturer and Group Lead at the University of Dundee, studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Lewy body dementia

Together, they unpack why Lewy body dementia does not follow a neat clinical pathway, how overlapping symptoms can lead to confusion with Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease, and why uncertainty in diagnosis affects everything from care planning to research outcomes.

The discussion highlights the real world consequences of misdiagnosis, including inappropriate treatments, faster than expected progression, and the emotional toll on families and care partners. The guests also reflect on how limited awareness of Lewy body dementia continues to shape health services, research recruitment and public understanding.

Across the episode, a clear theme emerges: Lewy body dementia cannot be understood from a single perspective. Clinical insight, biological research and population level studies all need to connect if progress is to be made.

Key takeaways

Lewy body dementia includes dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia
Symptoms extend beyond memory and can include hallucinations, sleep disturbance, fluctuations and movement changes
Diagnosis is frequently delayed due to overlapping features with other dementias
Misdiagnosis can lead to harmful treatments and inappropriate care planning
Care partners play a central role in both diagnosis and ongoing support
Research cohorts often lack diversity, limiting understanding of the
Cellular mechanisms such as alpha synuclein dysfunction remain an important area of study
Early and accurate diagnosis improves care, planning and research quality
Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to understanding the disease
Public awareness is key to improving detection, funding and outcomes

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:

Download and Register with our Community App:

https://www.onelink.to/dem...

Next Episode

Life As A Researcher With ADHD

February 21

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55m

In this episode of the Dementia Research Podcast, host Dr Gemma Lace is joined by guests, Dr Eric Hill from Loughborough University, Kalliopi Mavromati from University of Glasgow, Natalie Wickett from Simon Fraser University and Dr Kate Harris from Newcastle University.

Together they discuss the intersection of ADHD and research, exploring personal experiences, misconceptions, and coping strategies. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by researchers with ADHD, the importance of understanding and empathy in academic settings, and the various ways individuals navigate their symptoms. The discussion also touches on the role of medication and the need for tailored approaches to support neurodiverse individuals in academia.

Key takeaways

ADHD is often misunderstood and is much more than visible hyperactivity.
People with ADHD do not lack attention, but can struggle to direct it consistently.
Hyperfocus can lead to intense productivity, followed by emotional or physical crashes.
Academic culture, with its constant evaluation and rejection, can amplify ADHD challenges.
Rejection sensitivity can feel physically painful and trigger fight or flight responses.
Clear expectations and structured communication reduce anxiety and procrastination.
Breaking work into smaller deadlines can support momentum and reduce overwhelm.
Medication can be life changing for some, but it is not a complete solution on its own.
Hormonal shifts can significantly influence ADHD symptoms, particularly for women.
Curiosity, empathy and flexibility create more supportive research environments for neurodivergent colleagues.

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:

Download and Register with our Community App:

https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

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':

https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs