Free cognitive monitoring app wins major award

BrainTrack, a free app that helps users privately monitor and understand changes in cognition over time, has won a major award at the recent ACT iAwards ceremony.

Developed by Dementia Australia and Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²), the app won the community/not-for-profit category at the awards ceremony held in Canberra.

The app helps individuals explore common cognitive concerns and provides brain health information through fun, travel-themed games that have been adapted from validated cognitive testing. Users can share their results with their GP to support the early identification of cognitive changes over time that may warrant further testing.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said it was thrilling to receive the award, which recognised how BrainTrack was promoting early diagnosis of dementia.

“With more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia — which is projected to increase to more than 800,000 people by 2058 — improving early diagnosis must be a priority,” McCabe said.

The Australian Information Industry Association iAwards program celebrates excellence in the Australian digital ecosystem.

Co-Director of A²I² Alfred Deakin Professor Kon Mouzakis said he was proud to have worked with Dementia Australia in developing BrainTrack from concept through to the app now being supported by a Medical Research Future Fund grant.

Since being released in October 2022, BrainTrack has been downloaded by more than 50,000 people, including from the US, UK, New Zealand and Canada.

The development of BrainTrack was funded by the federal government. BrainTrack is available for download for free through the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/May Lim