More than 100,000 people worldwide have downloaded BrainTrack, the multi-award-winning free app supporting people to take a positive step forward in their brain health.
Since its release in October 2022 BrainTrack has been downloaded across 202 countries including Australia, India and the United States.
BrainTrack, a Dementia Australia initiative, helps people privately monitor and better understand potential changes in their cognition over time through fun, travel-themed games that have been adapted from validated cognitive testing. Users can share their results with their doctor to support the early identification of cognitive changes that may warrant further testing.
Dementia Australia Executive Director Services, Advocacy and Research Dr Kaele Stokes said it is wonderful to celebrate BrainTrack’s download milestone and the role it plays in raising awareness about the importance of monitoring brain health, calling on others to download BrainTrack.
“With more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia – which is projected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054 – supporting brain health and early diagnosis must be a priority,” said Dr Stokes.
“While BrainTrack does not replace the need for formal cognitive assessment, it supports the process by offering an easy way to track changes over time, and even picking up on cognitive concerns the user may not be aware of themselves.
“I encourage everyone interested in exploring more about their brain health to download the BrainTrack and for GPs and other treating healthcare professionals to encourage their patients who have concerns about their cognition to do so too.”
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Claire Powell cares for her partner Robin who lives with dementia. Claire shared that receiving a diagnosis is crucially important for the person living with dementia, their family, and carers to access support.
“I knew there were subtle changes, although it was difficult to always pick them up without any independent feedback. Once we received Robin’s diagnosis, we had more information and a pathway to move on with our lives,” said Ms Powell.
BrainTrack has been awarded a research grant by the Medical Research Future Fund - Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care initiative funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
The research led by Deakin University, will evaluate its use and whether it’s associated with improvements in knowledge and help-seeking in relation to brain health. Approximately 7,000 BrainTrack users have opted in to take part in this research, with findings set to be released in 2025.
Professor Rajesh Vasa from Deakin University’s Applied AI Institute (A2I2) said he was proud to collaborate with Dementia Australia to develop BrainTrack.
“The speed of the uptake in the community and immense positive feedback is an ongoing highlight.” said Professor Vasa.
Director at Pondr – Digital Product Design Agency, Scott McIntosh said that the development of BrainTrack was an innovative and collaborative process.
“The willingness to explore ideas, test concepts, and push boundaries allowed us to reimagine cognitive testing frameworks in a new medium.” said Mr McIntosh.
In 2023, Google Play Australia awarded BrainTrack as Best App for Good, with an honourable mention for Best Hidden Gem by Google Play Singapore. BrainTrack won the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) ACT and then the National iAward, going on to and reached the finals of the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) in Hong Kong, all in the Community/not-for-profit category.
BrainTrack was developed by Dementia Australia with the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²), Deakin University and funded by the Australian Government. It is a free download and is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit: dementia.org.au/braintrack.
In addition, a key resource for GPs when treating patients with dementia diagnoses or general cognition concerns is Dementia Australia’s Referrer Kit. Order a kit here: dementia.org.au/professionals/gps-and-other-referrers/refer-someone-your-care/order-your-referrer-kit
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 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
Media contacts: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor catherine.mccarthy@dementia.org.au 0466796201
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors: We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
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.
