Dr. Akbar is currently Principal Investigator of studies focused on community engagement in health research with a focus on marginalized (racialized, low income, vulnerably housed) populations. She uses a combination of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches to identify healthcare disparities and needs in these communities, develop interventions, and conduct program evaluation studies. Current research initiatives include developing and evaluating programs to address social determinants of health in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Post COVID-19 condition/ Long COVID, older adults experiencing loneliness, and research examining the link between obesity and cognitive function.
Research Interests:
- Self-management of chronic disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Post COVID-19 condition) among marginalized communities.
- Racial disparities in chronic disease.
- Developing and evaluating programs to address loneliness and social isolation in older adults with mental illness.
- Lifestyle predictors (e.g. obesity, physical activity, cognitive reserve) of neurodegenerative disease.
Professional Interests: community engagement, patient engagement, mixed-methods research, disease self-management, multiple sclerosis, cognitive disorders, neurodegenerative disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, cognitive assessment, neuropsychology, neuroimaging