介绍:
Most video games are fun to play, but they don’t usually teach players anything useful. Sea Hero Quest is a bit different, though. This free mobile app is helping doctors learn more about the early stages1 of Alzheimer’s, a disease that makes people lose their memories2.
In the game, players are on a mission to save their father’s lost memories. To get them back, they have to sail to different islands and collect3 notes from his diary. The main purpose of the game is to remember places on the map and to play other mini games that test your memory. Scientists collect data4 from everyone who plays the game. Then, they study it to learn how our brains change as we age.
They discovered that our sense of direction is best at age 19, and it gets worse as we get older. Scientists hope this data will help them identify5 people who might develop6 Alzheimer’s when they are still young. Then, they can take medicine to make their lives better. So far7, more than 2.4 million people have played Sea Hero Quest. In addition to having a good time, players are helping to find a cure8 for a serious disease.
