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Dementia Researcher Vodcast
10/19/25
•1m
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Previous Episode
XXplored - Why Sex Matters & What we've Ignored in Brain Ageing
October 9, 2025
•45m
In our first episode of the XXplored Women's Brain Health podcast, our resident expert and host Dr Laura Stankeviciute from University of Gothenburg engages with leading neuroscientists Professor Liisa Galea from University of Toronto and Dr Maria Teresa Ferretti from Karolinska Institutet to explore the critical intersection of sex, gender, and brain health.
Together our guests discuss their personal journeys into neuroscience, the biological differences in brain health, the impact of hormonal changes, and the vulnerability of women to Alzheimer's disease. The conversation also addresses the barriers to inclusion in clinical research, the implications of neurosexism, and the importance of precision medicine. The episode emphasises the need for early diagnosis and the societal stigma surrounding women's health issues, while advocating for a more inclusive and evidence-based approach to brain health research and treatment.
This first show sets the scene for what will be an ongoing series of shows, delivered within the Dementia Researcher podcast.
Highlights and takeaways:
Released during Menopause Awareness Month — and ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October — this episode shines a light on how menopause shapes women’s brain health and why it matters for ageing and dementia research.
- Sex differences shape the brain at every level – structure, hormones, immunity, and function.
- Menopause is a key vulnerability window for women’s brain ageing and Alzheimer’s risk.
- Women face higher Alzheimer’s prevalence, not just because they live longer.
- Women were excluded from trials for decades, leaving dangerous gaps in knowledge.
- Fear of neurosexism and misunderstandings of feminism slowed progress.
- Precision medicine must include sex and gender or risk missing early diagnoses.
- Research funding and clinical guidelines lag far behind need.
- Momentum is building: younger researchers and public interest are pushing change.
- Core message: Different ≠ inferior. Diversity drives discovery.
Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:Womens Brain Ageing ProjectWomen’s Health Research Cluster (Canada)NIH Policy on Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV)
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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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Next Episode
Supporting Young Carers in Dementia
October 24, 2025
•42m
In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Anna Volkmer, Associate Professor at UCL and Speech and Language Therapist explores the experiences of young carers in families affected by dementia, the challenges they face, the support they receive, and what more could and should be done.
Anna is joined by Dr Patricia Masterson Algar a Lecturer at Bangor University, leading new research funded by Health and Care Research Wales to develop a peer support programme for young carers. Hannah Gardner a Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, advocating nationally for better awareness and support and Gareth and Euan Heslop, father and son who share their lived experience of caring for a wife and mother with young-onset dementia.
Together they discuss the often overlooked impact of dementia on children and teenagers, the stigma and isolation young carers face, and how families, schools, and professionals can work together to provide better understanding and support.
In this episode:
- The hidden realities of growing up as a young carer.
- Stigma, awareness, and the importance of talking openly about dementia.
- How schools and communities can recognise and support young carers.
- Why services must consider the whole family, not just the person diagnosed.
- The role of peer support and what new research hopes to achieve.
- Voices from lived experience — what young carers really need.
Listen to hear how families, researchers, and practitioners are working together to ensure young carers are seen, heard, and supported.
For information on the study, or to be involved Find Hannah on LinkedIn or email (hannah.gardner@dementiauk.org) / Find Patricia on LinkedIn or email (p.m.algar@bangor.ac.uk)
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
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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 ...
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