All About Parkinson's NZ

06/01/2026

Cool idea in Australia.

06/01/2026

04/01/2026

If you’ve been taking Parkinson’s medication that contains levodopa for some time, you may develop motor fluctuations, wearing off and dyskinesia. These are side effects that can affect your movement.

There are different types of involuntary movements, and when and how often they appear can be different for each person with Parkinson's. You might not feel too affected by mild dyskinesia, or might even be unaware of them, even though they might be visible to another person.

Others may experience more severe dyskinesia, which can prevent them from carrying out simple tasks. For example, they might make walking difficult or impossible, and can sometimes affect talking.

Diet and managing stress can help with motor fluctuations. If you'd like advice and support, please reach out to your health care professional, or call our free confidential helpline: 0808 800 0303. 💙

04/01/2026

Well, Parkinson's News Today had one I'd totally missed in here - Aussie researchers at The University of Queensland looking into a new way of easing constipation.
Can't profess to fully understand it but it's to do with messages in the nervous system not getting through as they once did, activity in a particular protein receptor that could help, and the idea of making a medication to imitate that protein (ghrelin, the so-called hunger hormone). You can read more at the links below.

https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/top-10-parkinsons-news-stories-2025/

https://news.uq.edu.au/2025-05-29-breakthrough-could-boost-quality-life-people-parkinsons-disease

Our Top 10 Parkinson's disease news stories of 2025 cover research into potential treatment options and how the neurological disorder works.

01/01/2026

Congratulations to Tony Egan, who's just been named an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit.
Tony's citation mentions his contributions towards Parkinson's research - what it doesn't mention is that he's a very funny public speaker, as evidenced at the Cure Parkinson's NZ BOP fundraiser in 2025.

Tony's honour is for services to the agricultural industry and the community, and you can find the full citation here:
https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/ny2026-onzm

Image: photojumbo.com / Pixabay

01/01/2026

As we bid farewell to 2025, we want to say thank you.

This year has been filled with movement, connection, learning, and care – and it’s all been made possible by the incredible people who make up the MSPC community.

To our clients and their whānau, our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and sponsors – thank you for your trust, generosity, time, and unwavering support. You are at the heart of everything we do, and together you’ve helped create a year full of resilience, progress, and moments that truly mattered.

We’re deeply grateful to walk this journey alongside you. Here’s to carrying this spirit of community into the year ahead. 💙✨

01/01/2026

As we welcome 2026, we want to thank you for your support throughout 2025. Your generosity has helped us continue our vital work in neurological research – thank you from the entire team at the Neurological Foundation.

01/01/2026

Every so often, someone in our community shares something that captures the Parkinson’s experience in a way that feels honest, vivid and deeply human. Richard, a former soldier and retired police officer, recently wrote a piece to help his family and friends understand what Parkinson’s feels like for him.
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After losing his ability to write poetry for some time, this piece marks the return of a part of himself he thought was gone. With his permission, we’re sharing it with you today.

Click the blog to read his poem;

https://bit.ly/4947Lxj

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

Exceptional neuro-researchers in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin have plenty to celebrate as 2025 draws to a close. Around $3 million is being invested right across Aotearoa in our latest grants round. We'll announce details in the new year. For now, let's join in thanking our incredible donors for their amazing Xmas gifts.