Akili Labs is a company that combines science and entertainment to create a fun (yet effective!) learning experience for kids, according to their website. Their latest creation, EndeavorRX, is an action video game which requires patients to select a character and explore different realms, dodge obstacles, and collect targets to gain access to new dimensions and accept awards. It encourages kids to pay attention and follow the rules while targeting certain neurological systems in the brain.
The game activates certain parts of the brain that control attention function, and implements algorithms that can have long-term effects. It also challenges players to improve their performance, and becomes increasingly more difficult.
In the press release, the CEO of Akili, Eddie Martucci, Ph.D. said: “With EndeavorRx, we’re using technology to help treat a condition in an entirely new way as we directly target neurological function through medicine that feels like entertainment.”
He continued, saying: “Families are looking for new ways to help their children with ADHD. With today’s decision by FDA, we’re excited to offer families a first-of-its-kind non-drug treatment option and take an important first step toward our goal to help all people living with cognitive issues.”