Program
PhD, Aging, Health, and Well-being
Graduate supervisor
Dr. George Heckman
My thesisÂ
My thesis examines the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. Through qualitative research, I interviewed individuals living with dementia, care partners, physicians, and community support organization employees across Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. Preliminary findings highlight barriers in recognizing symptoms, challenges in obtaining a diagnosis, and difficulties accessing culturally appropriate community support services. Key themes emphasize the impact of cultural beliefs, systemic gaps in dementia care, and the role of family caregiving traditions. These insights contribute to a better understanding of how dementia care can be improved for South Asian communities in Canada.
My time in the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS)
My time in the School of Public Health Sciences has been a professional and personal growth journey. Throughout my PhD, I have found my passion for research, knowledge translation, and advocacy, particularly in culturally inclusive dementia care. My supervisor and committee have been instrumental in providing me with opportunities to engage in meaningful research projects while fostering a supportive environment where I could conduct research that reflects academic rigor and lived experience. This experience has allowed me to merge my personal connection to dementia care with my research, reinforcing my commitment to improving dementia support services for diverse communities.