Helen Macpherson
Developing a digital solution for timely dementia diagnosis
Award
Dementia Australia Research Foundation Mid-Career Research Fellowship
Status
In progress
Start Date
1 March 2026
About the project
What is the focus of the research?
Validating Dementia Australia’s free app BrainTrack to determine if it can accurately and reliably detect early changes in cognition.
Why is it important?
Early signs of dementia are often missed in GP appointments, meaning people are diagnosed later and miss out on early supports. Developed by Dementia Australia, BrainTrack is a free app that helps people monitor and understand changes in cognition over time through fun, travel-themed games. If people are concerned, they can download a report to begin a conversation with their GP. The app has been downloaded more than 170,000 times.
Dr Macpherson will now formally validate the app against established neuropsychological assessments. Her project addresses a critical gap, as less than 50 per cent of GPs routinely discuss brain health with patients over 50 years old. If BrainTrack is shown to be accurate, it could become a widely accessible tool for early screening, helping doctors identify problems sooner, improving access to support, treatment and planning. Due to the reach of BrainTrack, it may also provide crucial cognitive screening access to underserved populations, like those in rural and regional Australia.
What could this mean for people concerned about their brain health?
- Earlier conversations about cognition, leading to earlier diagnosis and support.
- Better access to emerging treatments that work best in early stages.
- More Australians staying independent and living well for longer.
- Reduced costs to families and the health system over time.
Where are they now?
Dr Macpherson is a senior research fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University. She leads the Physical Activity and Nutrition for Cognitive and Mental Health group.
