Martina Forlani

Papers

Total Citations

198

H-Index

About

Dr. Martina Forlani is a leading researcher in the intersection of geriatric psychiatry and human-animal interaction. Her work focuses on the therapeutic potential of animal-assisted interventions for elderly populations, particularly those affected by dementia and psychiatric disorders. Her most-cited paper, a comprehensive 2013 review on animal-assisted interventions for elderly patients with dementia or psychiatric conditions (198 citations), has become a foundational text in the field, synthesizing evidence to demonstrate how structured interactions with animals can reduce agitation, improve mood, and enhance social engagement in institutionalized seniors. This seminal work helped shift clinical perspectives on non-pharmacological therapies for aging populations. Dr. Forlani's research has been instrumental in bridging veterinary science, psychology, and geriatric medicine, providing robust data that supports the integration of therapy animals into long-term care settings. Her contributions have been recognized through invitations to speak at international conferences on aging and animal-assisted therapy, and her work continues to guide both clinical practice and future research directions in this rapidly expanding field.