BrainTrack, a new app from Dementia Australia, helps users to monitor and understand their cognitive brain changes over time.
This free app, funded by the Australian Government, enables users to explore common brain health concerns, providing information through a series of games and puzzles that test cognition. BrainTrack prompts users to ‘visit’ a new country and are encouraged to log in monthly to explore new places.
Users of the app begin their journey in Australia, where they meet their travel group. Users are introduced to a group of people with a fact about each of them, that they will need to recall. After several questions, users are invited to watch a short video. This provides a quiet moment to recentre and stay calm.
The app does not provide a diagnosis. Rather, it is a helpful tool for monitoring cognition. It can be used to inform medical conversations (the app can email a PDF to appropriate doctor/s), which can in turn lead to an earlier diagnosis of dementia. BrainTrack can offer reassurance and tips on brain health.
“While not intended to replace a formal cognitive assessment, BrainTrack supports the early identification of cognitive changes over time that may warrant further testing,” explains Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe AM.
BrainTrack is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Users are prompted to complete some details (including year of birth and postcode) prior to starting their journey. They are not required to input any identifying personal information and are not asked for card or payment details.
For more information on the BrainTrack app, visit the Dementia Australia BrainTrack website or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.