The projects include the Alzheimer's Awareness Experience video game, which encourages compassion and understanding by putting caregivers and clinicians in the shoes of people with Alzheimer's disease.
A new video game offers caregivers and clinicians a glimpse into what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s, aiming to boost empathy and enhance care.
The immersive game, The Alzheimer's Awareness Experience, begins with “the clock drawing test”—a common screening task that doctors administer to people suspected of having cognitive decline. Users then navigate a typical week while living with Alzheimer’s, while facing challenges like declining dexterity, hallucinations, and not recognizing themselves when they look in the bathroom mirror.
It is the first healthcare product developed by ABoot Studios, a multimedia company recognized for its entertainment and animation work. It's being made in partnership with Sandra's Home Health Care and the Niagara Region Alzheimer’s Society. "It started out as a game for caregivers, and then as we were designing it, we realized it was this incredible educational tool," says Jason Rothberg, a producer and partner at ABoot Studios who is leading the project.
The game is one of 12 projects selected for the latest KITE Creates cohort. Participants in the program, called the Creators Circle, spend three months refining their business ideas through weekly in-person peer circles and mentoring from peers, researchers and other creatives.
“We’re thrilled to begin working with talented entrepreneurs like ABoot Studios for our second cohort,” says Garrick Ng, KITE Creates program lead. “This group is full of diverse talents who are applying immersive media, AI, video games, wearable fashion, and other imaginative means of delivering care. It’s an honour to help them transform their passion and expertise into meaningful products and viable ventures.”
ABoot has partnered with The Alzheimer’s Society in the Niagara region, as well as several doctors, including Dr. Yury Rusinovich, a vascular surgeon based in Germany. They acted as testers and offered suggestions on how to make the game more realistic.
The group also has a partnership with Canadore College’s health science department, and it has raised more than $150,000 in funding. “What we’re doing is really new, and it was a bit overwhelming to begin with, but the support that we’re getting has been really exciting,” says Jason Rothberg, a producer and partner at ABoot Studios who is leading the project.
They’re planning on releasing the first chapter of the game at the end of the summer, followed by four more over the next year. They’re working to prepare for that through KITE Creates, including doing final testing, determining a pricing model and launch strategy, and connecting with potential clients.
“We’re so excited to be a part of KITE Creates,” says Rothberg. “We’re very grateful to Garrick and Helen for seeing the potential in our product and allowing us to be part of this amazing community.”