Monitor your brain health with Dementia Australia’s free BrainTrack app
Published: 17 May 2023
Article submitted by: Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia has a free app, BrainTrack, available to everyone to learn about brain health, and to monitor and better understand suspected changes in cognition over time.
The app enables individuals who may have concerns about changes to their cognition to track these through a series of games. A report of their results can be produced and shared with their GP or healthcare professional as a conversation starter to support an earlier dementia diagnosis.
BrainTrack can also be used by individuals of any age who want to learn more about brain health and healthy ageing, including modifiable risk factors – risk factors which can be adjusted through lifestyle factors to reduce the risk of dementia developing. The app acts as a key tool for users to learn about how they can look after their brain and reduce the risk of dementia.
BrainTrack helps users explore common cognitive concerns and provides brain health information through fun, travel-themed games which focus on specific cognitive domains and are adapted from validated cognitive testing. While not intended to replace a formal cognitive assessment, BrainTrack supports the early identification of cognitive changes over time that may warrant further testing. Having a conversation with their GP or healthcare professional early when a person first has concerns about changes to their cognition may lead to earlier diagnosis.
An earlier diagnosis of dementia empowers and enables people living with dementia, their families and carers to better understand dementia and manage the diagnosis on their terms. Currently a diagnosis of dementia takes an average of three years. In 2023, it is estimated there are more than 400,000 people in Australia living with some form of dementia.
This figure is projected to increase to more than 800,000 by 2058. Improving the time it takes to receive a diagnosis must be a priority since, like other diseases, we know that the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcomes.
The app has exceeded more than 40,000 downloads since its launch in October 2022. It is available for free download through the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit dementia.org.au/braintrack or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
BrainTrack was developed with the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²), Deakin University and funded by the Australian Government.
Last reviewed: June 2023