My thesis
This thesis investigated the relationship between memory function and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults, and the potential mediating role of functional social support (FSS).
Using data from 21,241 participants aged 45–85 years in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) at baseline, analyses were conducted across three time points: baseline, three-year, and six-year follow-up. Results showed that lower memory function was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. FSS was found to partially mediate this relationship, though the indirect effect was small compared to the direct effect. Importantly, the strength of these associations did not differ across age groups or by sex. These findings highlight the interconnectedness of cognitive function, social resources, and emotional wellbeing in aging populations. By identifying the role of FSS, this research suggests that interventions aimed at strengthening social support (such as social prescribing) may help reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with memory impairment. Overall, the study adds new evidence on pathways linking cognitive decline to mental health outcomes and underscores the importance of social factors in promoting healthy aging.
My time in the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS)
My time at the School of Public Health Sciences was transformative and rewarding. I found a supportive and inclusive community that enriched both my academic and personal journey. The MSc program exposed me to diverse perspectives on global health. Highlights of my experience included meeting and collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds; receiving academic awards and presenting my research at conferences; advocating for graduate students as the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHSS) Councilor; organizing the Research and Practice in Health Science Conference; engaging with supportive and inspiring faculty and receiving mentorship that strengthened my research and analytical skills. Overall, my experience at the University of Waterloo was an empowering journey that deepened my passion for transformative health research and equipped me to excel in this field.