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2 Headlines Guest Editor Glenda Kane Contributors Gill Higgins Donna Chisholm Design The Design Cellar Ltd Cover AUT University's Stroke Riskometer team ISSN 0114-9768 CONTACTUS Neurological Foundation, PO Box 110022 Auckland Hospital, Auckland 1148 Phone: 09 309 7749 Free call: 0508 272467 (0508 BRAINS) 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 Gifts in Wills: Margie Carter – 021 042 8114 margie.carter@neurological.org.nz Major Donors: Kim Maunder – 021 642 485 kim.maunder@neurological.org.nz Headlines is printed on paper from responsible resources Kia ora koutou, At this time of year it’s appropriate to reflect on where we are, and where we are headed. This issue of Headlines is a perfect illustration of past, present and future. I love the story of the Rose Centre and those passionate experts whose work has been changing lives for the past two decades (page 10). It’s wonderful to knowNeurological Foundation supporters have played an important part in that journey. Meanwhile, researchers are harnessing technology to create powerful tools that help people make smart, healthy choices. Read about the Stroke Riskometer on page 7. You may even choose to download the app yourself, for free, today. I have. What does the future hold? In the final instalment of our dementia feature, we asked experts to share their thoughts (page 16). A theme of optimism runs through all their messages. No one is more positive than Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull. He says we’re on the verge of significant advances in drug development and treatments – the result of work that began decades ago. The Foundation is leading its own innovation for new ways to fund creative and collaborative research, through the creation of Programme and Platform funding opportunities. We'll tell you more about this exciting development next year. The youngest contributor to this issue (page 19), Meera Mistry, is just 15 years old. After being awarded a trip to the Centre for Brain Research to meet researchers and discuss neuroscience, she said the visit “allowed me to see that these facts are not just words in a notebook; they are the key to scientific journeys that could improve the lives of millions of people with neurological diseases. They are the key to allowing us to discover the very essence of our existence.” It feels so reassuring knowing that, with the generosity of people like you, we are helping to grow the next generation of big thinkers. I wish you a relaxing break over summer and look forward to catching up with you again early next year. From all of us at the Foundation, thank you so much for your ongoing support. Mā te wā, Rich Easton CEO Message from our Chief Executive Investigating the eye-opening potential of tears “I wish he was here to see how science is progressing” The stroke tool that's empowering New Zealanders Restoring life's pleasures: The simple joy of eating and drinking Understanding our 'sixth sense' Unravelling the secrets of memory Dementia feature: What does the next decade hold? Students inspired by Brain Bee internships Contents 4 6 7 10 12 14 16 19