BrainyApp goes Android

Above: A group of passers-by have a go at working the ‘Mandroid’ at the Sydney launch of the Android BrainyApp yesterday.

By Yasmin Noone

A new Android version of the world’s first dementia risk reduction app for Apple iPhones and iPads has just been released by Alzheimer’s Australia in partnership with the Bupa Health Foundation.

The Android BrainyApp, uses a survey, tips and games to encourage users to adopt the latest evidence-based techniques which aim to reduce the risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease, and improve brain-heart health.

CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, Hon John Watkins, who was present at the Android app launch in Sydney yesterday, commented on the importance of using technology to raise the awareness of dementia and the importance of brain-heart health.

“The use of up-to-date modern technology is going to be increasingly important in getting our message across and in connecting with so many people,” Mr Watkins said.

“The interesting thing is that…people who have picked up the BrainyApp were not 70 or 80 year olds. They were 20/30 year olds, which is exactly one of the most important audiences we want to target [with our message] about prevention. This is because the research suggests that it is what we do in our middle years – in our 30s, 40s and 50s – that is critically important to preventing the onset of dementia in our 60s, 70s, and 80s.

“So if we can get the message about good brain-heart health out to our younger audience then hopefully that will make a real impact further down the track.”

The new Android version of the BrainyApp, available now via the Google Play Store, was created in response to overwhelming local and international demand for the original Apple app which was released in November last year.

The free BrainyApp for iPhone and iPad hit the number one spot in the Australian App Store shortly after it was launched, achieving 41,000 downloads in just 48 hours (read original AAA story about its success).

Since then, it has been downloaded more than 200,000 times, worldwide.

According to the president of Alzheimer’s Australia, Ita Buttrose, the consumer advocacy group has received an overwhelming number of international Twitter, Facebook and email requests to develop an Android version of the app.

“The rapid success of BrainyApp demonstrates that Australians are eager for information and strategies to help them improve their brain health,” Ms Buttrose said.

“It is extremely encouraging to see that so many people want to make active lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing dementia.
 
“We have had enquiries from people and other Alzheimer’s associations from around the world including The Netherlands, South Africa, Mexico and Iceland, wanting to know when the Android version will be available.”

Managing director of software company, b2cloud, that developed the app – Josh Guest –said the demand for the Android version shows that people have a real interest in improving their brain health.

“It is extraordinary for an app like this to have had such an impact in its first few months,” Mr Guest said.

“With almost half app downloads coming from Android Smartphones in Australia, b2cloud has observed huge demand in the health and well being category.”

The BrainyApp is based upon the Alzheimer’s Australia program, Mind Your Mind, and uses the latest scientific research about what is good for the brain and heart functioning, and information surrounding the link between cardiovascular disease and dementia risk reduction.

Dr Maree Farrow, Alzheimer’s Australia Research Fellow, from the app project team, said there are 280,000 Australians living with dementia today and by 2020, this number is expected to soar to almost 400,000.

“Because there is no cure for dementia we need to give priority to initiatives such as BrainyApp that raise awareness of dementia, and help people to understand and reduce their risk of developing the condition,” Dr Farrow said.

BrainyApp is now available as a free download for Android phones and tablets. The Apple version for iPhone, iPod and iPad is still available for download from the App Store.

More information about BrainyApp is available at www.brainyapp.com.au.