Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

First things first: what are these disorders?

Neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders are dysfunctions in part of the brain or nervous system that result in physical or psychological symptoms that can affect a child’s behaviour, memory, or ability to learn. Common neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders are:

• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

• Autism

• Brain Tumours

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Cerebral Palsy

• Dyslexia

• Epilepsy

• Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

• Hydrocephalus

• Migraines

• Motor Neuron Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

How do they happen?

Most neurological disorders are present at birth either due to genetic or environmental factors, e.g. spina bifida or hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain) or Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Disorders that are acquired after birth are rarer and can be caused by serious infections or traumatic injuries.

What is neurological and neurodevelopmental research?

Basic research

Scientists investigate the biology of the brain and nervous system, how they work together and the pathology (nature and cause) of the disease or disorder

Clinical research

Via lab-based research, scientists and physicians can trial and test new ways of preventing, treating, slowing or curing neurological conditions, e.g. developing new drugs, trying new surgical techniques, gene therapy, immunology or stem cell treatments.

Translational research

Taking the findings from basic science and clinical research in the lab into real-world scenarios and practice.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO HELP?

Here are just some of the research projects we are funding to help improve neurological and neurodevelopmental health for New Zealand kids.

Improving the lives of children with hydrocephalus

Professor Simon Malpas, University of Auckland

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal build-up of fluid around the brain. Approximately 100 paediatric patients in New Zealand are diagnosed with hydrocephalus every year making it the most common paediatric neurosurgical condition.

Professor Malpas and his team have developed a much-needed ‘pressure sensor device’ to let parents and caregivers monitor their child’s brain pressure remotely. The tool will reduce hospitalisations and radiation exposure from CT scans, and greatly relieve the anxiety of parents around the care of their children.

We helped fund much of the early stage research which is now being commercialised by Kitea Health. The technology has many other potential applications – not just for hydrocephalus and brain pressure monitoring – but more broadly in the remote monitoring of pressure in other chronic conditions, e.g. heart failure. The potential application of this breakthrough, and related technology, is massive.

Trends in autism prevalence and health service use in Aotearoa

Dr Nicholas Bowden, University of Otago

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that influences the way a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. International prevalence estimates suggest that 1 in 36 children are Autistic, but there are no official prevalence estimates in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Studies show that Autistic youth (ages 0-24) often have higher mental and physical health needs. However, there is a lack of research in Aotearoa New Zealand on how Autistic youth use healthcare services, which highlights the need for more studies to better understand and meet their healthcare needs.

These studies by Nick Bowden and his team will be used to inform the co-design of an evidence-based policy brief. In turn, this will provide policymakers with concise, well-researched recommendations to inform decision-making and promote effective policy solutions for the improved provision of healthcare for Autistic youth.

Helping to reduce the negative health impacts of rugby

Professor Nick Draper, University of Canterbury

Rugby Union is a popular contact sport played by 7.7 million players in 129 countries. About 160,000 New Zealanders play every season, including around 25,000 high school students. Because rugby involves a lot of physical contact, players face a higher risk of injuries compared to non-contact sports.

To understand concussions better, Dr Nick Draper and his team are looking closely at how players collide during the game, with a special focus on girls who play rugby. They are also testing special headgear approved by World Rugby to see if it can reduce the impact of collisions and lower the risk of injury.

This research is crucial to improve the understanding of concussion injuries in contact sports, especially rugby, and find ways to make playing safer.