Public Health interest, experience, and accomplishments
Dr. Roe’s major research interests are in the use of biomarkers for detection of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, and what other dynamics (i.e., demographic characteristics and environmental factors) influence dementia development and outcomes in the presence of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. She is also interested in examining associations between Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Dr. Roe has led several studies in the areas of amyloid imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, cognitive reserve, brain reserve, and their combined influence on the expression of dementia symptoms. She has been an invited speaker on the topic of how biomarkers, cognitive reserve factors, and brain reserve factors can be used together to more accurately predict symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease at national and international meetings. Dr. Roe has also collaborated with faculty from Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Psychology, Radiology, and Neurology on projects investigating how occupational characteristics, falls, and driving are related to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

Collaborative interests
“My colleagues and I are already planning further studies on preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and its relationship to falls, driving, and occupational characteristics among older adults. I would like to explore the effect of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease on social activities and engagement among older adults.”