Dementia…is there an app for that now?
With increasing prevalence and awareness we understand all of us are either navigating our own diagnosis or are impacted by the struggles of someone we know on a journey with Alzheimer’s or one (or more) of the over 100 types of diseases that may cause dementia.
Dementia itself is not a disease but a symptom of the complex brain-based disorder(s) underlying it. Advances in science and technology send ripples of improvement out into the domains of identification, assessment, and treatment of the causes of dementias. These advances also improve the access we all have to helpful technologies, like apps. Among those on this list below, many are award-winning technologies developed by Dementia Australia. Let’s hope you discover some that are useful for you or someone you love.
Photo by Rob Hampson on Unsplash
BRAIN TRACK APP
Dementia Australia’s Brain Track App is designed to monitor your memory and cognition, help you set brain health goals and inform the conversations you can then have with your GP and other Health Professionals.
BRAIN HQ
Brain HQ is continually developed by Professor Emeritus Michael Merzenich – a remarkable gent we fondly refer to as the ‘Father of Neuroplasticity’ – and his world leading team. Brain HQ is an innovative brain training app that allows you to focus on specific areas of cognitive function. Brain HQ also has an education arm where you can immerse yourself in neuroplasticity theory and how it can be transformed into positive action.
EDIE
Educational Dementia Immersive Experience or EDIE is offered as a 3 hour workshop through Dementia Australia that uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to help you really feel what it might be like to experience dementia.
Photo by Sara Kurig on Unsplash
APHASIA THERAPY ONLINE
Developed by Speech Pathologists, Aphasia Therapy Online, is designed to help specifically with word finding. When the word is ‘on the tip of your tongue’ it is not lost, and you may benefit from repeated opportunities to ‘make the connections’ with a helpful visual or verbal prompt. Through practicing anything we help to strengthen the pathways that endure after the ‘training’ that we do.
TALK WITH TED
Talk with Ted is an immersive experiential learning opportunity that optimises how we can purposefully use AI Technologies to rethink the very words and phrasing we use when communicating with someone showing signs of confusion, disorientation, and potentially the distress associated with symptoms of dementia.
ALZHEIMER’S UNIVERSE
AlzU has been developed by a team of experts to provide the most up-to-date information on Alzheimer’s Disease – the most common type of dementia. AlzU offers comprehensive university level courses you can carry in your pocket and dive into in your own time through to your ‘graduation’ in the field of Alzheimer’s knowledge. Courses are offered to varying depths – from those offered to individuals interested in prevention, from high school right through to neuroscience specialists.
ASK ANNIE
Ask Annie is a mobile app with a focus on education and quick micro-learning opportunities for those working in a care and support role for individuals experiencing challenges related to dementia living in the community.
Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash
We here at NeuroKnowledge have explored dementia during this awareness week each year for many years. We have covered:
Diverse approaches to intervention (a two part guide)
Even our own very personal stories, that we invite you to read.
Gains made in global research and understanding of dementia has resulted in innovative brain-based treatments that target the changes in the brain. The Perth Brain Centre has been helping people with brain-based challenges for over 10 years and have a caring team of health professionals including occupational therapists, nurses and psychologists. We understand the complexity of your, and perhaps your Families, unique situation, and that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to successful treatment. Perth Brain Centre also values a proactive approach to long-term brain health. Detailed assessments, including special brain scans called QEEG, help to guide effective treatment programmes.
For further information about how brain-based treatments can help you, or someone you know, please contact The Perth Brain Centre (08) 65003277 or www.perthbraincentre.com.au.
About the author - Ms. Emily Goss (Occupational Therapist, Senior Clinician, The Perth Brain Centre).