What if you could test your brain health at home and have fun doing it?
An Australian award-winning app does just that, and while it sounds light-hearted, the ultimate aim is for people to take a positive step towards self-help.
More than 100,000 people worldwide have downloaded BrainTrack, an app that allows people to privately monitor and better understand potential changes in their cognitive function over time through fun, travel-themed games developed through research and testing.
A record of the results can be downloaded, and if the user has concerns, they can then share the results with their doctor to check their level of cognitive function.
While it’s not considered a replacement for a formal assessment, it can lead to an earlier diagnosis and as a result, earlier support and intervention.
Timely diagnosis
Dementia Australia’s business innovation team lead learning designer Kelly Burns told the Australia Information Industry Association (AIIA) the app aims to help by encouraging users towards a timely diagnosis.
“We say timely diagnosis – not early diagnosis – because it’s about the user being ready to explore those symptoms, being able to accept those changes and start to receive support and care,” Ms Kelly said.
The app was designed by Dementia Australia with the support of Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute and asks the user a series of questions designed to measure how their brain is functioning.
To start using the app, you will be prompted to ‘visit’ an individual country each month. You will then play a series of games relating to the country you are visiting. Users have different companions for each leg of their journey and need to solve typical travel challenges such as reading maps, collecting bags and calculating expenses. Scores are given for each round of challenges.
For example, one scenario replicates a baggage claim to assess a user’s visual process, attention and processing speed.
Users are prompted to log in monthly, play the games and receive data on their cognition.
“The user is given a particular bag, with a specific shape, colour and pattern, and they have to tap that bag as it comes across the screen,” Ms Kelly said.
“Then the bag that the user must identify changes each round and starts to travel faster across the screen.”
Tracking over time
The app then provides reports that let the user see how they are tracking over time and what to do with the results.
Dementia Australia Services, Advocacy and Research executive director Dr Kaele Stokes said it was wonderful to celebrate the 100,000 download milestone.
“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,” Dr Stokes said.
According to Dementia Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death for Australian women.
In 2024, it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.
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 AIIA ACT and then the National iAward, going on to reach the finals of the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards in Hong Kong, all in the Community/not-for-profit category.
It is a free download, and is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit: dementia.org.au/braintrack.
Would you use an app to check your cognitive performance? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
I am 76. I have always had a problem remembering names but I accept with age things happen. I think it’s always better to be one step in front by testing rather than doing a catch up exercise.