Dr. Pamela Roach, PhD

My research program addresses the overarching theme of cognition and brain health in Indigenous populations and other vulnerable groups including people living with early onset dementia, to enhance equity in populations based health outcomes. This work includes understanding the social drivers of cognition and brain health for Indigenous populations. This involves reviewing the current evidence and engaging stakeholders to understand how the factors of colonization, adverse childhood experiences, and intergenerational trauma impact cognitive development, as well as cognitive decline, later in life. I also work to develop culturally safe therapeutic interventions for Indigenous people living with dementia. Building on current experience to understand the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of Indigenous-made therapeutic sensory items in mental health and dementia, I am working to co-create culturally safe therapeutic interventions for Indigenous people living with dementia, that will be guided by community.

I also work to build anti-racism curriculum in Indigenous health and medical education that addresses upstream determinants of health that impact patient outcomes to improve the health of populations. I co-designed and implemented an Indigenous Health Leadership course for graduate students in Community Health Sciences and lead anti-racism curriculum for faculty development.