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Amirah Akhtar

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Area
Centre for Applied Dementia Studies
Faculty of Health Studies
E-mail
A.Akhtar46@bradford.ac.uk

Biography

I am currently an NIHR ARC (Y&H) funded postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies (CfADS). My research is centered around brain health and dementia prevention in minority ethnic groups, with a focus on the 12 modifiable risk factors.  I am particularly interested in depression as a risk factor. I have a background in qualitative research, with experience in conducting in-depth interviews and experience of qualitative analysis. I am also interested in 'living well with dementia' in minority ethnic populations. 

I have a PhD in Psychology from the University of Bradford. I have previously worked on the NIDUS study, delivering a manualised intervention to people living with dementia and family carers. Prior to this I worked at the Bradford Institute of Health Research (BIHR), supporting the delivery of a variety of research projects across the Born in Bradford (BiB) and Born in Bradford Better Start (BiBBS) cohort, conducting research with diverse populations. I have previous experience working on randomised controlled trials, working alongside service providers and service users, contributing towards evidence based practice. I have worked in Patient and Public Involvement at the Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust (BTHFT). This involved engaging with diverse groups, including individuals with Dementia to hear their voices and experiences, in order to implement and promote Dementia friendly spaces within BTHFT.

Research

Diversity and Dementia

Mental Health

Cultural adaptions (interventions/questionnaires/diagnostic tools)

Qualitative Health Research 

Research projects

Developing a Dementia Recovery College tailored for Muslim Communities (M-DROC)

Date
to
Role
Co-Investigator

This study aims to culturally adapt a dementia recovery college for the Muslim population, using experts by co-design methodology.

Exploring subjective cognitive dysfunction in British South Asians with recurrent depression (DEPCOG)

Date
to
Role
Principal Investigator

This projects aims to explore a) lived experiences of subjective cognitive dysfunction in British South Asians with recurrent depression b) understanding of cognitive dysfunction in depression from the perspectives and practices of UK health and social care professionals.

Implementation and evaluation of the ADAPT toolkit to improve the dementia care pathway for South Asian Families (ADAPTi).

Date
to
Role
Co-Investigator

The aim of this project is to establish acceptability of the ADAPT toolkit (a culturally appropriate online resource that includes awareness-raising materials, assessments and post diagnostic support interventions aimed at people from South Asian communities at various stages across the dementia care pathway). This project is a programme of engagement and consultation designed to inform the development of a future NIHR Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) proposal.

Professional activities

Education (2)

  • University of Bradford - PhD
  • University of Bradford - BSc

Publications

Peer reviewed journal (7)