Neurological Foundation of New Zealand

10.30 - Professor Lianne Woodward - The teen brain. Is the teenager in your life driving you crazy or do you just want to know more about why teenagers behave the way they do? Professor Lianne Woodward is a developmental psychologist with over 20 years’ research experience with typically developing and high-risk children. In her lecture, Professor Woodward will talk about the latest advances in adolescent brain research and how the brain influences teenage emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Implications for parents, schools and social policy will also be covered. Professor Woodward has been recognised by a number of national awards and prizes, most recently a James Cook Fellowship award from the Royal Society of New Zealand.

11.45am - Stroke Foundation of New Zealand - Is it a stroke? Act FAST! How can you tell if someone is having a stroke? This seminar will teach you the signs and symptoms of stroke that usually come on very suddenly. By learning to recognise the symptoms of stroke you could save a life! Learn the FAST check (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).

12.15pm - Hamish Ramsden - Reflection and projection. Hamish will discuss how we often reflect on where and what we've done and haven't done in life and how we should use this to mould our future.

12.45pm - Shane Thrower - Attitude matters. Shane will share his incredible journey through major life-changing events that have shaped his attitude and provided inspiration for his commitment to raising cycle safety, fundrasing and support group awareness.

1.30pm - Alzheimer's Canterbury - Caring for the Carer. Caring for someone with dementia can be an intensive, challenging and rewarding experience all at once. It is important you do not try to manage alone - there are services available to help you from health professionals and social services. This seminar will take you through the support options available and provide some key tools to ensure the wellbeing of you, your family and the person you are caring for.

2.00pm - Dr Tracy Melzer - Parkinson's disease: insights through new technology. Currently there is no diagnostic test that can confirm Parkinson's disease. The recent progression of brain imaging techniques including MRI, or magnectic  resonance imaging, has however provided scientists and clinicians with hope that insights into Parkinson's disease will soon be provided through the imaging's new technological advancements. Dr Tracy Meltzer, who hails from the plains of Montana in the US, is carrying out a fascinating PhD research project at the NZ Brain Research Institute (formerly the Van der Veer Institute), investigating these advancements. Using the facility’s sophisticated MRI scanner, he hopes his research will provide insights into the potential use of this technology to identify early biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease and improve early treatment intervention. Dr Meltzer will outline his progress to date in this fascinating lecture.