An award-winning Australian app focused on brain health has now been downloaded more than 100,000 times in more than 200 countries.
BrainTrack, a Dementia Australia initiative, helps people privately monitor changes in their cognition over time through travel-themed games adapted from cognitive testing.
Dementia Australia Executive Director of Services, Advocacy and Research Dr Kaele Stokes said users could share results with their doctor to help the early identification of cognitive changes.
Dr Stokes said the app’s milestone, of more than 100,000 downloads in 202 countries, offered an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring brain health.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
BrainTrack, which won Google Play Australia’s Best App for Good award in 2023, has received a research grant by the Medical Research Future Fund, allowing Deakin University to evaluate the apps use and whether it has led to improvements in knowledge and help-seeking in relation to brain health.
Dr Stokes said about 7000 BrainTrack users had opted in to take part in this research, with findings set to be released in 2025.
