Meet our Research and publications team

Karen joined Dementia UK in 2006 as a Consultant Admiral Nurse. She has over 45 years’ experience in nursing, most of those being in dementia care in a variety of settings and contexts. She gained her PhD at University College London in 2014 focusing on advance care planning and end of life care in dementia.

Madeleine joined Dementia UK as a Research Fellow in February 2024. Having completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2018, her research focused on the potential of retinal biomarkers for dementia in individuals with Down’s syndrome. Since then, she has transitioned into research policy, working to advocate for changes and improvements that support research for people with dementia and their families.

Phil joined Dementia UK as a Research Fellow in April 2024. He is also a researcher at the University of Sheffield in the Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH). Phil has worked with people living with dementia since 2008, working as a care assistant and later as an Assistant Psychologist in the older adult services of a mental health hospital, before transitioning into research in 2014. His PhD research focused on the digital accessibility of everyday technologies for people with dementia.

Ryan joined Dementia UK as a Research Assistant in February 2025. He is currently completing his PhD at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where his research focuses on the relationship between musical engagement and cognitive function across the lifespan.

Lesley joined Dementia UK as the Administrator for the Research Team in June 2024.

A former Managing Director of a computer retail business, Lesley also has a career in administration spanning over 20 years.

She has worked within the judiciary, NHS, and the construction industry, holding senior PA roles. However, her early career within the NHS and care system was spent in direct patient care.