Four years in the making, the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions (NPHSNC), is nearing completion and expected to be tabled to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, in the spring.

Parkinson’s was included in 16 of the 17 research projects of this study, co-managed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC). Joyce Gordon, President & CEO of Parkinson Society Canada, currently serves as Chair of NHCC.

The NPHSNC will provide the Parkinson’s community with crucial information to shape future policy decision-making. Research teams across Canada have been working to build a better understanding of:

• the incidence and prevalence of brain conditions in Canada;
• its impact on the lives of individuals and families;
• risk factors for onset and progression;
• co-existing conditions; and
• the ability of health, social and community services to support people living with brain conditions

In December 2013, members of the Parkinson’s community had the opportunity to participate in a stakeholder consultation to review the drafted NPHSNC report.  The consultation helped ensure the final report reflects the perceptions, needs and experiences of those affected by neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the NPHSNC and look forward to sharing the results of this landmark study with our community in the near future.