BrainTrack: implementing innovative technology

Challenge

Dementia is a progressive, life-limiting condition with a high and growing prevalence, significantly affecting the lives of those it touches. In Australia, it is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability among older adults. Early-stage intervention is crucial for slowing cognitive decline; however, recent Australian research shows that 76% of individuals are diagnosed after the early stage, with 20% already in moderate to severe stages at the time of diagnosis.

Solution

BrainTrack - a freely available mobile application developed by Dementia Australia in collaboration with Deakin University - is designed to promote brain health awareness and knowledge, assist in the early identification of cognitive changes over time and facilitate patient discussions with health professionals about brain health. Users are prompted each month to play a set of fun, travel-themed games that focus on specific cognitive domains and are adapted from validated cognitive testing. A report of the individual’s results can be downloaded, and if a person has concerns, these results can be shared with their general practitioner or other healthcare professionals as a conversation starter about brain health, and, when needed, support an earlier dementia diagnosis.

Impact

This 3-year body of research aims to: 1. evaluate whether use of the BrainTrack app is associated with improvements in user’s knowledge and help-seeking in relation to brain health 2. understand use and user experience of the app to inform app improvements 3. elicit general practitioner perceptions of the app and it’s potential to initiate brain health conversations with their patients 4. determine the social return on investment of the app.

Partners

Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative (A2I2)

Dementia Australia

Monash University

RMIT University

The University of Melbourne

University of Sydney

Links

BrainTrack explainer video

Protocol paper

Media

Dementia Australia media release

BrainTrack app wins major iAward

Australian Information Industry Association article

Google names BrainTrack a winner