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Chandrika Kaviraj
Name:
Chandrika Kaviraj
Job Title:
Carer of someone living with Dementia and someone who lived with Dementia
Place of work / study:
N/A
Area of research?
I’ve collaborated with Christine Carter who is a fantastic. We’ve worked on a project to understand how to help health professionals communicate with people with Dementia and their loved ones. I’ve also worked with Dr Jo Coster and Dr Fiona Sampson on pre alerts and Dr Emma Wolverson and Dr Catherine Evans on other Dementia research. Dr Aradhna Kaushal helped me collaborate with her on identifying good PPI opportunities. All of these academics have compassion, creativity and true passion for their subjects.
How is your research funded:
N/A
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a carer of a person living with Dementia and cared for someone who was living with Dementia. Both with long term conditions. I continue to campaign for better care for patients and loved ones but in particular in areas of Dementia, Stroke, Elder and End of Life care.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I try to propagate mango and avocado plants from seed and then palm (sorry for the pun) them off onto people with gardens! Trees bring air!
Why did you choose to work in dementia research?
It’s one of the UK’s biggest causes of death and yet it feels as though people are not ready to discuss the condition, the people, ageing, care or death. We’re at the crest of a wave. Let’s bring compassion to it.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Involve patients and loved ones in your work not because it is an exercise but because you could become an outstanding academic because of it.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Black History for Every Day of the Year. David, Yinka and Kemi Olusoga. Definitely recommend it.
Favourite film of all time?
The Motorcycle Diaries
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Walking
