Dementia remains the leading cause of death in Australia, yet a stark digital and geographical divide persists when it comes to prevention. While city dwellers enjoy seamless access to specialised health apps, gyms, and continuity of care, rural and regional Australians face a completely different reality.
Now, a pioneering new project from the University of South Australia (UniSA)—soon to be part of the new Adelaide University launching in January 2026—is leveraging tech-driven community collaboration to change that.
The project, called Re-ACTIVate, is a first-of-its-kind study designed to map local services, assess modifiable dementia risk factors among older rural residents, and co-design a scalable, easy-to-use digital and practical prevention toolkit. By putting rural communities at the centre of the technological solution, the project aims to deliver true health equity across vast distances.
STEM Leadership Tackling the Dementia Crisis
Lead researcher and cognitive ageing expert, Associate Professor Ashleigh Smith, emphasises that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of getting older.
“Nearly half of cases could be prevented by changing everyday behaviours,” says Assoc. Prof. Smith.
“We know there are at least 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which include things like smoking, diet, exercise and social isolation… This project will examine the lifestyle behaviours that increase dementia risk in rural and regional communities, then work with those same communities to co-design early prevention strategies.”
“This project will examine the lifestyle behaviours that increase dementia risk in rural and regional communities”
Because regional areas face unique hurdles—like fewer fitness spaces and limited access to local health services—a standard, one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Over the next six months, the research team will utilize service-mapping technology and collaborative sessions to build a tailored suite of resources giving country people the precise knowledge they need to protect their brain health.
Tech Enabling Inclusive Innovation
To ensure the toolkit genuinely reflects the realities of rural life, the project relies heavily on inclusive, tech-enabled co-design.
UniSA researcher and PhD candidate Britt Burton notes that while country towns are deeply connected, distance remains a major challenge. Tech acts as the bridge. The team is currently calling on residents from South Australia’s regional hubs to participate, while simultaneously exploring online digital options to allow Australians in remote areas to contribute to the design process from their own homes.
Ultimately, the Re-ACTIVate project highlights how data, localised mapping, and digital tools can empower communities to take control of their longevity. It is a powerful example of how tech can be scaled not just for commercial success, but to ensure that your postcode doesn’t dictate your brain health.
Are you or a loved one interested in participating? The team is seeking participants aged 60-80 from the Yorke Peninsula, and adults over 18 from Port Lincoln, Berri, and surrounds for co-design sessions. Contact Britt Burton at britt.burton@mymail.unisa.edu.au to find out more.
