Parkinson's NSW's first point of contact for the media is our CEO, Ms Miriam Dixon ( 02-8875-8901). She will respond to questions and may call on our President, Chris Davis, or one of our expert Advisory Panel members, depending on the nature of the request.
Media releases from Parkinson's NSW are set out below, with the latest at the top.
Access Economics Report"Challenges and Positive Steps for the Future" Report by Access Economics Pty Limited |
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World-first virtual reality study to trial new Parkinson's treatment
In a world-first study, researchers at the Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI) at the University of Sydney may have found a new way to help the Parkinson's disease patients who experience walking problems.
Sydney University News, 20 Jun 2011
Virtual reality assists in Parkinson's discovery
Doctors in Sydney have used computer technology to link brain processes and physical movement in people suffering from Parkinson's disease.
ABC TV, 7pm 20 Jun 2011
Researcher recognised in NHMRC grants
Dr Simon Lewis, Director of the Parkinson's Research Clinic at the Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), and a Consulting Neurologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, will receive $430,000 over five years for his research into Parkinson's disease.
He has published extensively on the disease, particularly addressing symptoms that impact on the quality of life of sufferers. In addition to his research, he also sits on the council of Parkinson's NSW and is now heading the first trial to evaluate community-based Parkinson's nurse specialists in Australia.
Click here for more information
Stem cell treatments for Parkinson's disease unproven
Parkinson's NSW has recently become aware that some NSW PwP have expressed interest in seeking stem cell-based treatments for their PD, or for specific symptoms related to their PD, from overseas-based "clinics". The lack of rigorous scientific trials on any offered stem cell treatments for PD anywhere around the world has been discussed previously in SBM and on the PNSW website.
Intense research activity is underway to investigate the potential of stem cells for novel treatments for PD but to date there have been no medical trials in humans to test if stem cells can effectively treat PD. Thus any clinics in any country offering such treatments are doing so in the absence of any scientific proof that the treatment might work. Even more worryingly, without proper medical trials it is not possible to be confident that a treatment will be safe. Parkinson's NSW strongly advise their members, and all PwP, not to undergo any stem cell treatments for PD until these are shown to be safe and effective.
Assoc Prof Kay Double and Dr Simon Lewis
Parkinson's Vote in 2010 Election
People with Parkinson's disease, their families and friends are calling for the next Federal government to support a national strategy tackling the burden of Parkinson's disease. "The Parkinson's vote could make or break the forth coming election for a number of close electorates". 
Read more...
2010 Federal Policy Initiatives
A New Approach to Parkinson's Disease Read more...
Brain Freeze: Inside the minds of Parkinson's sufferers
Sydney scientists have come up with an innovative way of seeing what happens in the brain when Parkinson's sufferers experience a freeze of gait. Story from ABC TV's Catalyst program (05/08/2010) More info
Electric Probes Helping Patients
From Television segment about DBS (Direct Brain Stimulation) on 7 network's Today Tonight program.
More info
A Parkinson's 'miracle' for Strop
Newspaper article about TV personality John Cornell's recent DBS surgery. More info
Goodbye CAAS... Hello CAPS!
From 1 July 2010, the federal Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) will replace the existing Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS). Under the new scheme, eligible clients will receive an annual cash payment of up to $489.95 (plus indexation) instead of actual goods.
More Information click here: CAPS Scheme CAPS FAQ's
SINEMET CR Unavailable
Merck Sharp & Dohme (manufacturer of Sinemet CR) have advised all medical specialists and GPs that Sinemet CR is now OUT OF STOCK due to manufacturing difficulties. This situation will continue into 2011 * Please note that other types of Sinemet are not affected (only Sinemet CR).
See Press Release > People affected should see their specialist or GP for further advice.
Radio 2GB Interview
"Parkinson's Disease - What you need to know"
Andrew Moore talks to Dr Simon Lewis, Neurologist and Director of the Parkinson's Disease Research Clinic. Click here: Listen to 2GB interview 
Medical Energy Rebate
From 1 January 2010, the NSW Government has introduced a Medical Energy Rebate for eligible customers who have an inability to self-regulate body temperature when exposed to extremes (hot or cold) of environmental temperatures. It may be associated with certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. 
For more information and application forms visit the NSW Gov Energy website
DASH (Depression-Anxiety-Sleep-Hallucinations)
| Parkinsons was recently in the news on the TEN Television network. For those that missed the stories, click links to view them. 1. Parkinson's InfoLine 2. Help for Parkinson's Sufferers *NB: Both stories are preceeded by 15sec and 30sec adverts respectively. (Patience required) |
 Download the 28 page booklet shown at right for full details -click here (1Mb PDF file) |
Molecule offers hope for Parkinson's treatment
Australian scientists have identified a molecule which controls inflammation in the brain, offering hope of a future treatment for conditions such as Parkinson's Disease. More information here
New strength STALEVO
From 1st December 2008, a new strength of Stalevo 200/50/200 mg (levodopa 200 mg / carbidopa 50 mg / entacapone 200 mg) is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) providing physicians with more dosing options and flexibility for their patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who experience end-of-dose motor fluctuations. More information here
My Father, my Brother, and Me
The story of journalist Dave Iverson's personal journey to understand the disease that has taken such a toll on his family... Recently aired on the American PBS network, this program can be viewed online via the PBS website.
Parkinson's NSW Website - Outstanding Achievement Award
"We are happy to announce that the Parkinsons NSW Website entered into the IMA competition, (entered September 22, 2008 under the category 'Charity'), has won the IMA Outstanding Achievement
Award with an overall score of 464.
The Outstanding Achievement award is the second highest honor bestowed by IMA and an extremely challenging award to win. Your website has excelled in all areas of our judging criteria and represents a very high standard of planning, execution and overall professionalism"
| Congratulations to Protein One and the PNSW people that made it happen!! Click image to view the Award Certificate >> |
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION about Cabaser - (Issued 13th September 2008)
Pfizer Australia has informed us about important safety changes to Cabaser® (cabergoline) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and the availability of one of the strengths.
These changes will come into effect on 1st November 2008. To see the full story click here
Parkinson's find under Scientists' Noses - (ABC TV story, aired Monday 16th June, 2008)
Australian scientists have made a major breakthrough in research into Parkinson's disease. They discovered that stem cells taken from inside a patients nose can produce a chemical that's missing in people with Parkinson's. To see the full story click here
