Brain Day Christchurch
FREE EVENT: NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED
Discover the wonders of the human brain and learn about the latest neuroscience research into brain health and brain disorders.
Lectures by leading neuroscientists and community support groups.
Displays by community support groups.
The inaugural Brain Day Christchurch is proudly brought to you by the Neurological Foundation and the New Zealand Brain Research Institute.
Lectures:
10.30am: Professor Lianne Woodward, Principal Investigator, Canterbury Child Development Research Group, University of Canterbury.
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.
Brain and Spinal Injury Speaker Section:
12.15pm: Hamish Rumsden, Tetraplegic and part-time teacher
Reflection and projection
Hamish became a tetraplegic in October 1994 after being charged by a cow on his family farm in the Hawkes Bay and sustaining a discolated neck at C5/C6 level. Hamish spent five months in rehabilitation at the Burwood Spinal Unit then returned to the farm, which he sold 18 months later, then went into partnership with his brother setting up a sheep genetics company. This company has now merged with Landcorp and is now the largest genetics company in New Zealand. Hamish will discuss how we often reflect on what we have done and haven’t done in life and how we can use our experiences to mould our future. He will also talk about The Catwalk Trust and its goal to find a cure for spinal injury through world-class neuroscience research being carried out in New Zealand.
12.45pm: Shane Thrower, traumatic brain injury survivor and cycle safety advocate
Attitude matters
In May 2003, Shane Thrower was knocked off his cycle by a car travelling at over 100kph – he was training for the New Zealand Ironman. He suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, paralysis and broken bones. Medical staff told Shane he would never complete his study, play competitive sport or work again but he is doing all of that and much, much more. 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, fundraising and support group awareness.
2.00pm: Dr Tracy Melzer, MRI Physicist, New Zealand Brain Research Institute. Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch.
Parkinson’s disease: insights through new technology
Currently there is no diagnostic test that can confirm Parkinson’s disease. The recent progression of MRI, or brain 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.
Seminars:
11.45am: Stroke Foundation
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).
1.30pm: Alzheimer’s New Zealand
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.