Cutting-edge technology applications BrainTrack and Talk with Ted developed by Dementia Australia and Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A2I2) have both been recognised with major awards.
BrainTrack, a free app that helps you privately monitor and understand changes in cognition over time, last night won the 2023 National iAward, Community/Not-for-profit category at the awards presentation. BrainTrack helps individuals explore common cognitive concerns and provides brain health information through fun, travel-themed games that have been adapted from validated cognitive testing. Users can share their results with their GP to support the early identification of cognitive changes over time that may warrant further testing.
Maree McCabe AM, CEO Dementia Australia said that more than 55,000 people had downloaded BrainTrack since its launch in October 2022.
“That’s 55,000 people now learning about being brain healthy, modifiable risk factors of dementia and cognitive decline, and if they have concerns, reaching out early so support and intervention can be accessed,” Ms McCabe said.
“It’s so exciting that BrainTrack will now compete in the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards in Hong Kong in December.”
Talk with Ted, an immersive simulation designed to educate participants on how to better communicate with people living with dementia, last week won the 2023 Simulation Australasia Project Innovation Award. Ted is an Artificially Intelligent (AI) Avatar with symptoms of dementia. Talk with Ted provides a realistic simulation for care workers and those supporting people living with dementia to practice their communication skills and learn how to better support people living with dementia.
“The awards were recognition of how technology is transforming support, care practice, knowledge and awareness about dementia in the community and across the health, aged care and disability sectors,” Ms McCabe said.
“With more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia – which is projected to increase to more than 800,000 people by 2058 – it is vital that we focus on early diagnosis and quality dementia care,” Ms McCabe said.
“I congratulate the incredible teams behind both of these groundbreaking tools."
Co-Director of Deakin University’s A2I2 Alfred Deakin Professor Kon Mouzakis said he was proud to have the team from A2I2 work with Dementia Australia in developing both BrainTrack and Talk with Ted.
“At A2I2 we are committed to advancing knowledge and building systems that benefit society,” Prof Mouzakis said.
“It is immensely rewarding to work with Dementia Australia applying our expertise to tools like BrainTrack and Talk with Ted that are transforming the experience of aged care - for care workers and for people living with dementia and improving people's lives through increasing understanding about brain health and dementia.”
BrainTrack is available for download for free through the Apple App Store or Google Play. For more information, please visit www.dementia.org.au/braintrack or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
For more information about Talk with Ted, please visit https://dementialearning.org.au/technology/talk-with-ted/ or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Talk with Ted won the Not-For-Profit and Community Solution category at the 2020 Victorian iAwards.
The Australian Information Industry Association iAwards program celebrates excellence in the Australian digital ecosystem.
The Simulation Australasia Awards recognise outstanding achievement by exceptional individuals and teams, who are committed to growing the field of modelling and simulation to serve society.
To view all Dementia Australia’s awards and recognition go to https://www.dementia.org.au/about-us/dementia-australia/awards-and-recognition
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
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Media contacts: David Gear, Media and Communications Advisor, 0427 204 297, david.gear@dementia.org.au
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
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If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
