Submitted by acs95 on Thu, 08/01/2026 - 12:35
Name: Maja Swirska
Research group: Windsor Research Unit
Supervisor: Dr. Ben Underwood
Title of your PhD/MPhil: Understanding Different Perspectives on Communicating Risk to People Living with Dementia
Can you give us a short background into what your MPhil was about?
My MPhil focused on how risk is communicated to people living with dementia. Dementia is one of the most significant challenges facing an ageing population, and its prevalence is expected to continue increasing. Through a scoping review, focus group workshops, and survey analysis, my research explored what information people want and need, and how risk can be communicated more effectively within NHS memory clinics
How would you sum up your main findings?
Effective risk communication is necessary in the advent of novel biomarkers that seem likely to become the standard of practice in dementia care. Across, all three components of this thesis, the findings suggest that current approaches to risk communication are inadequate in addressing the needs for patients and caregivers. With participants strongly endorsing monitoring and disclosing of risk results, a flexible approach tailored to each individual has to be undertaken by healthcare professionals in order to effectively convey complex ideas to those living with dementia.
What made you want to do an MPhil?
From an early stage in my training, I developed a strong interest in academic medicine, but due to the pressures of medical school, I was limited in my ability to engage with research. Taking a year out allowed me to fully pursue this interest.
What was your best day during your MPhil?
I cannot remember a specific day, but I believe it would involve early morning rowing, a day full of work with my colleagues and supervisor at the Windsor Research Unit, followed by and evening spent with college friends.
What was your worst day during your MPhil?
The beginnings of my MPhil were quite stressful as I felt I was out of my depth with the demands of academic research. I have never previously conducted review or qualitative interviews and did not understand how much preparatory work is required for each aspect of the MPhil. Thankfully with the support of my supervisor and colleagues I was able to quickly understand the basics of scientific research and progress with my work.
Do you have any words of advice to future PhD/MPhil students in Psychiatry?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my MPhil experience and gave valuable skills to continue my career in academia. I think what is most important is reaching out for support when you need to as most people around you would have had similar issues in the past and are more than happy to help!
What do you hope to do next?
I am currently a resident doctor working in Glasgow. In the future I plan on combining a clinical career in either Psychiatry or Older People Services, to pursue a PhD and later become an academic lecturer.