BRAIN TRAINING PROGRAMS: EndeavorRx

What are brain training programs like EndeavorRx?

EndeavorRx is an FDA-authorized video game to improve attention function in children ages 8-12 with ADHD. The program can be considered part of a treatment plan combined with provider-directed therapy, medication, and educational programs. EndeavorRx is prescribed by a provider and is currently priced at $99 for a 30-day prescription and FSA/HSA eligible.¹  

Like EndeavorRx, EndeavorOTC is a similar video game app clinically designed to improve adult ADHD symptoms. The game tests your ability to see a target and navigate a course to avoid obstacles. It is recommended to be played for six weeks intervals followed by a one-week break.²

How can brain training programs like EndeavorRx help alleviate certain long COVID symptoms?

Cognitive symptoms of long COVID include brain fog (trouble thinking clearly or remembering) and difficulty focusing on tasks. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can directly infect the central nervous system and damage brain tissue, which is hypothesized to lead to cognitive impairment. In addition, the virus possesses a spike protein that studies have associated with memory loss after COVID.³ EndeavorRx and EndeavorOTC can improve attention in long COVID patients.

What evidence supports using brain training programs like EndeavorRx for long COVID?

EndeavorRx is supported by five clinical studies that included more than 600 children with ADHD. The company’s randomized controlled trial found that the program improved objective attention in children when played for about 25 minutes a day, five days per week, for four weeks, with added benefits in a second month of treatment.⁴

EndeavorOTC was studied in adults with ADHD, with 73% of participants reporting quality of life improvements. This study found that 60% were better able to complete projects on time, and 53% were better able to manage multiple tasks at once.⁵

EndeavorRx and EndeavorOTC are currently being studied at Cornell New York Presbyterian and Vanderbilt for use in long COVID patients with cognitive impairment.⁶

What are some things to watch out for with brain training programs like EndeavorRx?

No serious adverse events have been reported. About 9% of participants reported a treatment-related adverse event such as frustration, headache, dizziness, emotional reaction, nausea, and aggression. All adverse events were transient, and only three led to discontinuation of the program.¹

References:

1)      The only doctor prescribed video game treatment for kids with ADHD. EndeavorRx. April 2022. Accessed November 8, 2023. https://www.endeavorrx.com

2)      Improve your focus, game changing results. EndeavorOTC. 2023. Accessed November 8, 2023. https://www.endeavorotc.com

3)      Li Z, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Li H. Cognitive impairment after long COVID-19: current evidence and perspectives. Front Neurol. 2023 Jul 31;14:1239182. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1239182

4)      The Research. EndeavorRx. June 2022. Accessed November 8, 2023. https://www.endeavorrx.com/the-research/

5)      Stamatis CA, Mercaldi C, and Kollins SH. A single-arm pivotal trial to assess the efficacy of Akl-T01, a novel digital intervention for attention, in adults diagnosed with ADHD. JAACAP. 2023; 62(10), S318.

6)      Aguilar M. Akili’s therapeutic video game will be tested as a treatment for Covid ‘brain fog.’ STAT. April 7, 2021. https://www.statnews.com/2021/04/07/akili-endeavorrx-covid19-brain-fog/

Active Clinical Trials: Long COVID, brain training | Card Results | ClinicalTrials.gov