Check your Brain Health

Source: Dementia Australia

Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is much more common after the age of 65.

In Australia, there are an estimated 433,300 people living with dementia. Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).There are several risk factors linked to cognitive changes in later life. Some factors can be easily modified by incorporating simple strategies that optimise brain health.

We now know that adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle is beneficial at every stage of life. This is what we call a life-stage approach to risk reduction.

By understanding the modifiable risk factors associated with poor brain health, we can make the necessary changes to maintain a healthy brain.

Where to Start

The first step to optimising your brain health is to download the free BrainTrack app from the app store and complete the check-in quiz. The quiz results will help you identify risk factors that may impact your brain health.

You will see where you are doing well in supporting positive brain health and learn strategies to reduce your brain health risk. Games and challenges on this new app give you data you can share with your GP.

The app will help you explore this common concern, providing brain health information through fun, travel-themed games that test your cognition. The resulting conversation and monitoring may lead to an earlier diagnosis of dementia.

How does BrainTrack Work?

When 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.

Users are prompted to log in monthly, play the games and receive data on their cognition. The data is given to you as a report that can be shared with your GP, to initiate formal cognitive assessment.

Disclaimer

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. For many, it will offer reassurance and offer tips around maintaining brain health.

BrainTrack is an initiative of Dementia Australia and is funded by the Australian Government.