MS Voice Newsletter – May 2024: World MS Day Special Edition
Welcome to the 2024 World MS Day Special Edition of MS Voice – your trusted source for the latest updates, information and inspiring stories from Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. World MS Day is an international awareness day for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. It is officially marked on 30th May every year to bring the […]
Are you on an Infusion Treatment?
At MSNZ we would like to understand more about patient experiences with infusion treatments. The first line Disease Modifying Treatment (DMT) options we have been successful in advocating for in NZ are considered some of the best in the world. Due to the availability of these treatments and adopting healthy lifestyle recommendations, people are reportedly […]
Update – Ocrelizumab for Primary Progressive MS in Canterbury
On Wednesday 15 May, Multiple Sclerosis NZ raised how critical workforce shortages are impacting patients with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) access to time sensitive disease modifying therapies. A business case prepared by clinical specialists had been under review for five months asking for more resourcing to meet patient needs and ensure safe levels of working […]
MS: A Marathon, But No Walk in The Park
Entrants in the iconic Red Stag Rotorua Marathon take up the challenge for a wide variety of reasons. Some like Michael Voss (two hours, 23 minutes and 48 seconds) are driven by the need for speed and the joy of winning. Further down the field the reasons can be quite different. Take entrant #2060 for […]
World MS Day 2024
As a member of the MS International Federation (MSIF), MSNZ is proud to be involved with World MS Day which is officially marked on 30 May each year. World MS Day is a global awareness raising campaign for multiple sclerosis. Every year, the MS movement comes together to provide the public with information about multiple sclerosis and how it […]
Study: CFS biomarkers at the time of diagnosis may aid in MS prognosis
Certain biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — around the time of a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis may help predict the time to reaching certain disability milestones among people with a relapsing-remitting (RRMS) disease course, according to findings from a recent study. Such markers also were associated with short-term relapse […]
Could a Simple Blood Test Predict MS
In this article published by MS Australia, their research on antibodies shows promise that perhaps a simple blood test could predict MS one day. Using a large US biobank, blood from people with MS was screened before and after MS onset. Approximately 10% of people with MS harboured antibodies that target a specific sequence contained […]
Press Release: Access to Life-Changing MS Drug “snatched away” Due to Staff Shortages
A celebrated Pharmac decision late last year to fund a vital drug for many Multiple Sclerosis patients has fallen flat – with dozens being turned away for treatment due to severely stretched resources across a number of services. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) says one particular Health New Zealand (HNZ) region – Canterbury Waitaha – […]
MS Voice Newsletter – April 2024
Welcome to the April edition of MS Voice, your source for the latest updates, information and inspiring stories from Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. Bangers to Bluff 2024 reached it’s final destination on Saturday 20th April, with all crew present and accounted for…..but one or two cars were replaced along the way! There were many kilometres […]