MS: Busting the Myths
October 17, 2024 | Education, Life with MS, Progressive, Research, Resources, Symptoms, Treatments, Webinar
We invite you to join us to learn of MSNZ’s latest developments and hear from guest speaker German Neurologist, Dr Matthias Grothe, on the impacts of hidden symptoms of MS, and what we can do to alleviate them.
Dr Matthias Grothe is a German neurologist specializing in the treatment of MS-patients. His outpatient clinic covers a large rural area in north-eastern Germany, treating 1000 patients a year. His research focusses on treatment approaches for neuropsychological symptoms in MS, primarily utilising non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.
Date: Wednesday 30th October 2024
Time: 7pm – 8.15pm
Where: Teams (Online)
Cost: Free (Donations welcome)
Register: Via the form below
How many people are diagnosed with MS in NZ?
The 2006 MS Prevalence Study identified 2917 people diagnosed with MS in New Zealand. Researchers at the Compass Campus at the University of Auckland recently used the Integrated Data Infrastructure to identify all people with MS in New Zealand. MSNZ President Neil Woodhams will share the outcomes of this insightful research, how it will impact our work and what else MSNZ is hoping to uncover through the data.
A new way of funding medicines
While Pharmac are renowned for securing some of the lowest medicine costs globally, this comes at a cost to patients. MSNZ Committee Member Jan Campbell will share MSNZs views on a report Commissioned by the Society, ‘The Cost Effectiveness of Ocrelizumab for Treatment of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in Aotearoa New Zealand from Healthcare and Societal Perspectives’. This report provides strong evidence to support the case for Pharmac to base funding decisions not solely on the cost of a drug or medical device, but on the wider fiscal impact of funding it, or not, on New Zealand society as a whole.
The report was undertaken by health economist Dr Richard Milne and colleagues in New Zealand, Tasmania and Singapore, as an economic case study evaluation of ocrelizumab for Primary Progressive form of multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Ocrelizumab for PPMS was approved for funding in October 2023.
Cognition, depression and fatigue: What do we know about these “hidden” symptoms in multiple sclerosis, and what can we do to alleviate them?”
Dr Matthias Grothe will cover the frequency of cognitive impairments, depression and fatigue in MS, their impact on the everyday life and what we know about treatment options.
At the end of the webinar, there will be time for a short Q & A session. Should you wish to submit a question in advance, please email it to: info@msnz.org.nz