Christine Olsen
Papers
2
Total Citations
121
H-Index
2
About
Christine Olsen’s research sits at the vital intersection of gerontology, dementia care, and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on improving quality of life for nursing home residents. Her most impactful work investigates the use of Paro, a therapeutic robotic seal, in group activities for people with dementia. In her highly cited 2016 study (84 citations), Olsen systematically analyzed participant behaviors during group sessions with Paro, revealing how the robot can effectively reduce apathy and foster social engagement. She further advanced the field with a landmark cluster randomized controlled trial (2020, 37 citations) that demonstrated Paro’s positive effects on sleep patterns—a notoriously difficult-to-treat symptom of dementia. By moving beyond anecdotal evidence to rigorous, systematic investigation, Olsen has provided concrete, evidence-based insights into non-pharmacological interventions for dementia care. Her work not only validates the therapeutic potential of social robots but also offers practical guidance for nursing homes seeking to enhance resident well-being through meaningful, engaging activities.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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