Welcome to the fifth season of the ISTAART PIA Relay Podcast, brought to you by Dementia Researcher. This series features members of ISTAART, engaging in insightful interviews about groundbreaking dementia research, and the work of the ISTAART Professional Interest Areas (PIA) they represent. As we build up to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, join us for daily episodes that showcase the remarkable work being done in various research fields. -- In this episode, Professor Arlene Astell interviews Caitlyn Fastenau, a PhD candidate in Integrated Biomedical Sciences focusing on the Biology of Ageing. Caitlyn shares her journey into dementia research, driven by personal experiences and a passion for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Her research explores the role of immune cells, particularly microglia, in Alzheimer’s disease, using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing. Caitlyn discusses the her work, the importance of diversity in research, highlighting efforts to include underrepresented communities in dementia studies. She also talks about the significance of translational research and the potential non-pharmacological interventions that could reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Tune in to learn more about the Immunity and Neurodegeneration PIA, what they have planned for AAIC and the latest hot topics in the field, and the collaborative environment that ISTAART provides for researchers at all levels. PS. Don't miss Caitlyn's presentation at the AAIC and her insights on leveraging student engagement in scientific societies. -- The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) convenes the global Alzheimer’s and dementia science community. Members share knowledge, fuel collaboration and advance research to find more effective ways to detect, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Professional Interest Areas (PIA) are an assembly of ISTAART members with common subspecialties or interests. -- There are currently 30 PIAs covering a wide range of interests and fields, from the PIA to Elevate Early Career Researchers to Biofluid Based Biomarkers and everything in between. To sign-up to ISTAART and a PIA visit: http://www.istaart.alz.org Note: ISTAART Membership is free for students worldwide, and for researchers of all levels based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. -- To book your place at this year’s AAIC (In-person and online) visit: http://www.aaic.alz.org -- You can also enjoy this show as a video on our YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/dddOpDsuwlM -- Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast -- The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast represent those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of NIHR Dementia Researchers, PIA membership, ISTAART or the Alzheimer's Association.