Rainwater Prize Winners: Advancing Tau Research
Dementia Researcher Vodcast
03/06/26
•48m
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In this episode, Professor Louise Serpell is joined by 2026 Rainwater Prize winners Professor Dennis Dickson, Professor Melissa Murray and Dr Marc Busche.
They talk about their work and the science that led to them earning this much deserved award, reflecting on decades of research into tau and its role in neurodegenerative disease. The conversation explores how tau functions in the healthy brain, how it becomes harmful in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, and why certain brain regions are especially vulnerable.
The discussion covers different forms of tau, including soluble species that may disrupt how neurons fire before visible tangles appear. Brain banking, imaging and fluid biomarkers are highlighted as key tools for understanding disease differences and improving diagnosis. The importance of rare MAPT mutations and what they can teach us about future treatments is also explored.
Alongside the science, there are thoughtful reflections on mentorship, risk taking and the value of asking ambitious questions in dementia research.
Key Takeaways
- Tau is essential but context dependent. It is vital for normal brain function, yet changes in its chemistry, structure or location can drive neurodegeneration.
- Tangles are not the whole story. Soluble tau species can disrupt neuronal firing, even in single cells, before visible aggregates appear.
- Selective vulnerability defines tauopathies. Disorders such as PSP consistently affect specific brain regions & cell types, including glia, & we do not fully understand why.
- One biomarker does not fit all. Tau PET and fluid markers behave differently across Alzheimer’s disease and primary tauopathies, reflecting structural differences in tau.
- Progress depends on bold science. High risk experiments, strong mentorship and access to the right tools are essential for moving the field forward.
Find out more about the Rainwater Foundation:
https://rainwatercharitablefoundation.org/
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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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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':
Previous Episode
Life As A Researcher With ADHD
February 21
•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.
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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.
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
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a group of language led dementias where communication difficulties appear before memory loss. Despite this, diagnosis can often take years and access to specialist support remains inconsistent.
In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Annalise Rahman Filipiak speaks with Professor Jason Warren, Dr Anna Volkmer and Dr Jacqueline Kindell about the role of speech and language therapy in diagnosing and supporting people living with PPA. The discussion explores why diagnosis is often delayed, how speech and language therapists contribute to multidisciplinary assessment and care pathways, and why early referral can make a meaningful difference for patients and families.
The conversation also looks at international differences in access to services, the importance of communication support across the course of the condition, and the growing global movement to improve awareness through Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day.
PPA Awareness Day 2026 - speechtherapyppa.com/ppa-awareness-day
About the guests
Jason Warren - Professor of Neurology at University College London and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. His research focuses on dementia, language disorders and diagnostic markers for primary progressive aphasia.
Anna Volkmer - Associate Professor and Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at University College London. Her work focuses on communication interventions and support for people living with primary progressive aphasia and their families.
Jacqueline Kindell - Speech and Language Therapist and Lecturer at The University of Manchester with extensive clinical and research experience in dementia and communication disorders.
Key Takeaways
- Primary progressive aphasia is a group of dementias where language difficulties appear before memory problems, which often makes diagnosis harder.
- Diagnosis can take several years because many dementia assessment tools focus on memory rather than communication and language.
- Speech and language therapists play an important role in diagnosing PPA by assessing language, communication and motor speech changes.
- Speech and language therapy is currently the main treatment available to help people with PPA manage communication difficulties.
- Early referral to speech and language therapy helps people and families adapt communication strategies and plan for future changes.
- Access to specialist speech and language therapy services varies widely depending on where people live.
- Communication support can improve quality of life and reduce wider pressures on health services by improving understanding between patients, families and clinicians.
- Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day aims to improve recognition of the condition and promote early referral to speech and language therapy.
A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
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