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2 Headlines Editor Danelle Clayton Contributors Mackenzie Kiernan Design The Design Cellar Ltd Cover Dr Narun Pat, Department of Psychology, University of Otago ISSN 0114-9768 CONTACTUS Neurological Foundation, PO Box 110022 Auckland Hospital, Auckland 1148 Phone: 09 309 7749 Free call: 0508 BRAINS (0508 272 467) Email: info@neurological.org.nz Website: neurological.org.nz If you’re moving, please let us know your new address so that you don’t miss the next issue of Headlines . If you are not a current subscriber and would like to receive this free publication four times a year, please send your details to marketing@neurological.org.nz . DONOR RELATIONS CONTACTS North Island: Margie Carter – 021 042 8114 margie.carter@neurological.org.nz South Island: Kim Maunder – 021 642 485 kim.maunder@neurological.org.nz Headlines is printed on paper from responsible resources Kia ora koutou, Welcome to the first Headlines of 2024. Exciting things lie ahead for the Neurological Foundation, the wider Neurological Alliance and, of course, the world of research. Our supporters’ amazing generosity is funding 28 grants worth $2,425,409 in our latest round. Read all about it on pages 8-11. Late last year, we topped $70 million of research funding since our first award was given out in 1972. Some of our supporters have been with us every step of the way, while others have come on board more recently. We’re incredibly grateful to have you with us on the pathway to hope. You have made a significant contribution to New Zealand based research. The Foundation walks alongside members of the Neurological Alliance, a group of 19 like-minded charities who are working for the greater good. The Alliance is briefing the newMinister of Health, Dr Shane Reti, to ensure this Government has a sound understanding of the challenges faced by 1 in 3 Kiwis with a neurological condition. I’m pleased to let you know the Foundation has a new-look governance team, with the recent appointment of our new Chair, Matthew Slater, Deputy Chair, Ailsa McGregor, and Chair of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee, Mike Milsom. This year they’ll be joined by two new Council members, Dr Deborah Snell and Matt Caughey. Together with our other five Council members, these highly respected, experienced and talented people will guide us forward as we continue to evolve over the coming years. As for the neuroscience, I know you’ll be as fascinated as I am by the stories in this issue. While exploration of the brain itself continues, researchers are also looking beyond it to the skull and digestive system. Everything is interconnected—our brains with our bodies; the Neurological Foundation with other like-minded charities; and brilliant researchers with you, our loyal supporters. Thank you for being with us as we try to turn the world around. Mā te wā, Rich Easton CEO Message from our Chief Executive Our upcoming events Turning the world around for 1 in 3 Kiwis – a sneak preview of our 2024 awareness campaign Artificial intelligence and neuroscience $2.4m awarded in our latest grant round 2023B The secrets encircling your brain Parkinson’s disease and the power of the gut Researchers unite to tackle dementia in New Zealand 20 years on with dementia researcher Erin Cawston Research from around the world Contents 3 4 6 8 12 14 16 18 19