What to do with your results

What should I do with my results

Researchers are discovering more about the modifiable risk factors that can impact brain health. This app is designed for you to:

Identify and manage any modifiable risk factors that may increase your chance of developing dementia later in life
Set some brain -healthy goals with your GP to optimise your brain health
Start a conversation with your GP about any brain health concerns.

I am concerned about my brain health

There are many reasons for you not to be ‘on top of your game’ when it comes to your brain health. Changes in ‘cognitive function’ like forgetting things such as dates and times, being easily distracted, or losing your car in the car park can be easily explained when you are feeling tired, stressed, overwhelmed, or unwell. It can happen to anyone! But when this happens on a more regular basis, or affects your daily function, there may be something else going on.

The game-like activities in BrainTrack may have detected a change in your cognitive health. This also might validate your own cognitive concern.
Many people when feeling concerned will talk to family or friends before talking to their GP. This can often delay opportunity to investigate the underlying cause and possible treatment.

The underlying cause may be related to:

stress
depression
pain
underlying physical illness
medication or alcohol
mild cognitive impairment
dementia.

If you have concerns about your brain health it is better to see your doctor sooner rather than later.

What should I say to my doctor

Simply download and print your results.
Make a list of your concerns or changes you have noticed and take them to the appointment with you. It will provide a useful basis for further discussion and next steps.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns honestly and openly, including how long you have been experiencing these problems.
Bring a list of the medications that you are taking including the doses (or bring all your tablets in a bag). Don’t forget inhalers, creams and herbal medications and vitamins.

Remember, you can:

Ask for a longer appointment.
Take a relative or friend with you.
Ask questions and request further explanations if you don’t understand.
Take notes during the visit.
Discuss the option of further assessment by a specialist.

What are the next steps

Assessment of cognitive concern can take time and requires:

initial cognitive screening tests
a review of your medical history including medications you are taking
a physical examination
some blood tests
neuroimaging such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out any other possible cause.

A referral to a specialist may also be made where you may undergo more thorough, targeted cognitive testing to confirm a diagnosis.

Early action helps

Your symptoms may not be caused by dementia, but if they are, earlier diagnosis will be helpful. An early diagnosis means that you can have:

access to support and information
education
counselling
treatment that may help delay symptoms.