SHELBURNE, Vt. (WCAX) – New tech used at the residence at Shelburne Bay aims to catch signs of cognitive decline early.
After breakfast and before swim class, Gyll Rowan slips on a virtual reality headset.
The 78-year-old is tracking her brain health.
“Just feels like playing a game, which I like to do, so it’s kind of up my alley,” said Rowan.
Rowan is one of several folks at the residence at Shelburne Bay testing out the tech.
React Neuro, created by a team of scientists in Boston, uses VR exercises to measure changes in cognitive performance.
Every other week, Rowan zooms in with react CEO Shaun Patel for a screening. She says it gives her peace of mind and power over her aging.
“As I see my friends and other residents going through life changes, I just realized that I might be able to improve my outcomes,” said Rowan.
Shelburne Bay staff use residents’ stats to suggest actions that keep them sharp – like better sleep, exercise, and socialization.
“As our residents age, we want them to be the best version of themselves they can be to have optimum brain health,” said Katrina Regan of LCB Senior Living.
LCB Senior Living currently uses react neuro in all 41 of their communities.
At Shelburne Bay, staff say it’s a hot commodity.
“They like it, they want to do more. They’re asking, ‘Can I do React next week?’ Of course you can do React,” said Lori Leclair.
LeClair is learning to conduct the screenings on her own.
Until then, Patel can only take on a lucky handful of Shelburne Bay residents.
Rowan is grateful for the glimpse into her mind.
“Living in a place like this is a real incentive to take the best care of myself in every respect that I can,” she said.
In addition to LCB senior living communities, React Neuro partners with schools, hospitals, and teams like the Patriots.