SWAMPSCOTT — Staff at the Residence at Vinnin Square, an assisted-living facility for seniors on Salem Street, are using virtual reality headsets to detect early signs of memory loss and other declines in cognitive function.
In 2020, the Residence’s parent company LCB Senior Living became the first assisted-living company in the country to partner with REACT Neuro, a virtual reality technology company. REACT Neuro was created by a team led by Dr. Rudy Tanzi, the team neuroscientist for the New England Patriots.
Tanzi, who is credited with discovering the Alzheimer’s gene and currently serves as the director of the genetics and aging research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, developed REACT Neuro to create a reliable way to track and measure cognitive health.
Roughly once every two weeks, residents at the facility use REACT Neuro virtual reality headsets and remote controls to take puzzle-like tests, which assess aspects of their cognitive health like short and long-term memory, reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and motor function.
Katrina Regan works as the reflections and engagements specialist for the Residence’s memory care department. She said that while doctors can regularly track patients’ blood pressure to test for early signs of heart disease, conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia can not always be detected as early.
“This is really a checkup from the neck up,” Regan said. “You don’t get the opportunity to check on your brain unless there’s a problem, so this gives our residents a chance to look at their brain trends over time.”
Using results from the REACT Neuro tests, staff can spot dips in their residents’ cognitive ability and work with them to assess potential causes of brain health fluctuation. Regan said staff at The Residence use Tanzi’s SHIELD program to ensure residents sleep seven to eight hours a night, manage their stress in a healthy way, interact with others, exercise, and continue to learn new things.
“If our resident takes a test today and they score great, and then they take that same test in three or four weeks and they don’t score so great, we look at those results and say, ‘Well, what are the factors that might come into play here? Are you not sleeping well lately? Have you been extra stressed lately? Are you feeling depressed? Are you not as socially active?’” Regan said. “It’s really lifestyle changes that will help our residents improve their scores.”
Although the Residence at Vinnin Square has only used the program for a couple of months, Regan said many of her residents use the tests themselves as mental workouts and actively try to improve their scores.
Resident Engagement Director Alicia Malley organizes regular social and educational programs at the facility to engage seniors. She said since she began administering the REACT Neuro tests, she’s noticed more residents attending her Tai Chi and meditation classes.
“I do see them coming to more stuff each time,” Malley said. “My Tai Chi is growing because I do meditation at the end and it helps with the stress. They love it. It’s bringing more engagement.”
Anne Khatchadurian moved into the facility two months ago after she fell and fractured her kneecap. On Wednesday, she put on the VR glasses to take a long-term memory test.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Khatchadurian said. “I’m having difficulty with my memory and other things, and it’s helping me.”
Mickey Mizner, who has lived at the Residence for more than four years, said he enjoys the tests because he takes comfort in knowing he can improve his cognitive abilities.
“They have some great activities. Those activities are a real plus. The more you do, the more you can do,” Mizner said. “Anything you can do to improve your mind is a plus.”
