Yo-Jen Liao

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About

Yo-Jen Liao’s research sits at the vital intersection of gerontology, dementia care, and human-robot interaction, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in aging populations: managing pain and maintaining quality of life for people with dementia. Liao’s most influential work, a systematic review on non-pharmacological interventions for pain in dementia (48 citations), provides a crucial evidence base for alternatives to medication, guiding clinicians toward safer, more compassionate care strategies. Building on this foundation, Liao has pioneered the exploration of social robotics in dementia support. A landmark qualitative study (14 citations) investigates the use of the humanoid robot Pepper in caregiving, revealing how such technology can offer consistent supervision and meaningful engagement for individuals with cognitive impairment. This work not only illuminates the perceptions of care recipients but also charts a practical path for integrating robots into daily care routines. By bridging rigorous systematic methodology with innovative, human-centered technology research, Liao is shaping a future where dementia care is both more effective and more humane—a contribution that resonates deeply with students and researchers in nursing, gerontology, and human-robot interaction.