NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network

28/08/2026

We're so proud to share Fiona's Dementia Researcher profile.

Fiona has been part of Partners in Research - our Patient and Public Involvement group - for the past five years and has made her mark in shaping both the group and dementia research in meaningful ways.

📢Fiona's advice for researchers?
"Listen and speak to people with lived experience. Make your research relatable to the real issues people with dementia face, not what you think they may be!

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/profile-fiona-hartley-neuroprogressive-and-dementia-network/

Fiona Hartley is a retired physiotherapist and PiR member with Scotland’s Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, drawing on clinical and caring experience.

27/08/2026

We may be biased, but this is definitely worth a listen...

Our Strategic Manager, Emma Law, discusses why people may choose not to get involved in research, highlighting the importance of understanding the reasons behind these decisions, while also accepting that research may not for everyone.

26/08/2026

As summer winds down, we're reflecting on our conference held at the start of summer Barracks Conference Centre in Stirling. Jointly organised with the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium and Brain Health ARC.

The conference brought together academics, early career researchers, health practitioners, and people with lived experience. Research covered dementia risk factors, clinical work, care, policy, lived experience and co-production -with a poetry activity adding a creative element. It was valuable to see so many perspectives in one space, connecting research, practice, and lived experience.

Thank you to our speakers, attendees, and contributors for making it such a thoughtful event 👏

19/08/2026

📢 We're hiring!
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Senior Research Nurse to join NHS Lothian's Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. Help deliver clinical research that could help transform the future of dementia and neurodegenerative disease care.
📍 Western General Hospital
💷 £43,231 - £52,679
🕒 36 hours per week
📅 Apply by 31 August 2026
Apply today: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=266509

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications fr...

30/07/2026

Read our Clinical Studies Officer Bernie McInally's thoughtful reflection on his work supporting the Scottish Dementia Brain Tissue Bank.

Bernie reminds us that people with dementia aren't all the same – "they're gloriously individual". And that while dementia may impact memory, cognition and function, there remains a "person with their own preferences, prejudices, humour and worldview".

This distinction matters for research, healthcare delivery, and policy. It's an important reminder that we need to see the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

👀Read the full blog on Dementia Researcher: https://shorturl.at/RTxgs



Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre
Alzheimer Scotland

Bernie McInally reflects on brain donation calls, dementia identity and the sharp humour that reminds us every person remains individual.

16/07/2026

📢Calling all researchers: are you giving people with lived experience a seat at the design table?

Partners in Research, our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group, works with researchers to provide insight on research ideas, study design, materials, recruitment, participation and dissemination.

Read feedback from Parkinson’s researcher Maira Pyrgioti below, and see the flyer for further details.

‼️To request a meeting with the group, please complete the form: https://shorturl.at/GB0Wq

⭐If you are a person with Parkinson's, a family member, or a carer and would like to use your lived experience to help shape research, get in touch at: https://shorturl.at/gtzaJ Or email: [email protected]

09/07/2026

On Tuesday morning earlier this week, our Senior Clinical Studies Officer for Lothian, Jessica Crossan, attended an event hosted at The Royal Company of Merchants in collaboration with The Dementia Trust

The session brought together partners from a variety of sectors across Edinburgh to explore how we can work together to strengthen the response to dementia prevention and ageing well.

A really valuable morning of collaboration, learning and reflection on shared insights and challenges.

The image below shows the beautiful setting at The Merchants' Hall Edinburgh

25/06/2026

"Partners in Research also provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections between scientists and the public, while helping to make scientific research more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone."

A lovely piece of feedback from Maira, who joined one of our Parkinson's group's “Meet the Researcher” sessions.

Thank you to Maira, for taking the time to share her experience🙏

If you would like to meet with Partners in Research to discuss your Parkinson's research, please complete the form at: https://shorturl.at/GB0Wq

If you are a person with Parkinson's, a family member, or a carer and would like to use your lived experience to help shape research, let us know at: https://shorturl.at/gtzaJ
📧Or email: [email protected]

24/06/2026

Our Patient and Public Involvement group, Partners in Research, got together with Enrich Scotland's Patient and Public Involvement group, RICH Voices, to mark a day dedicated to everyone who helps to make research happen.

It was a lovely opportunity for both groups to share updates on their activities, learn more about each other’s work, and reflect on why research matters to us.

Thank you to Partners in Research and RICH Voices for all the valuable contributions you give to research, it's an absolute joy to work alongside you 🙏And thank you to everyone involved in supporting and championing research 🎉

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05/06/2026

A week on from our conference, jointly organised with the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium and Brain Health ARC.

Bringing together academics, early career researchers, health practitioners, and individuals with lived experience, the conference showcased a vibrant range of research. This included dementia risk factors, clinical research, care, policy, lived experience and co-production, with a poetry activity offering a creative dimension. It was fantastic to see such a diversity of perspectives in one space, strengthening connections across research, practice, and lived experience.

A huge thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and contributors for making it such a thoughtful and inspiring event 👏