Ep6-Dementia Researcher on Reasons for Hope

We meet epidemiologist, research fellow of University College London and dementia advocate, Dr Sarah-Naomi James. Dr Sarah is studying people over time to see if patterns emerge in those who develop dementia symptoms. Dr Sarah reveals that there is an understanding amongst the scientific community that symptoms of dementia tend to present 15 years after physical changes in the brain take place. She terms this her window of hope. Her hope is that if we can improve our ability to spot physical triggers in the brain, we have a window of opportunity in which to slow the onset symptoms.  Dr Sarah is also the co-creator of The Window - a binaural (3D) audio play created in collaboration with playwright Rachel Briscoe from Fast Familiar https://fastfamiliar.com/about/. It is based on a fictional story that interweaves a radio presenter’s personal experience of her mother’s dementia alongside her work interviewing a dementia researcher. Audiences will explore their own experiences, feelings, misconceptions and attitudes towards dementia. Released on 31st March 2021. Check out alzheimersresearchuk.org to access the show and follow Dr Sarah on Twitter @Sarah_naomi_1. This podcast is brought to you by Alzheimer's Research UK's Inspire Fund. It is produced and presented by Rosanna Miles @rosannamiles @SondertideT