Atypical Parkinson's (PSP & MSA)

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) are rare neurological conditions that require timely, coordinated care.
cann’s nationwide network offers practical rehabilitation, education, and planning support to help you maintain confidence and independence as your needs change.

Eligible individuals may access a fully funded Condition-Oriented Rehabilitation & Education (CORE) package tailored to these complex conditions.

The CORE Package for Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes provides proactive, allied health support for you and your family. It’s designed to help maintain safety, mobility, and communication, and to plan ahead as your needs change.

Enable

A comprehensive assessment (up to 1.5 hours) delivered by clinician(s) in cann’s national network experienced in PSP and MSA.
This session explores how your condition affects your movement, balance, posture, swallowing, speech, and daily activities.
You’ll receive a personalised rehabilitation plan that reflects your goals and priorities.

Uplift

Follow-up sessions, combining physiotherapy and occupational therapy, with speech-language therapy input where needed.
Sessions focus on mobility, fall prevention, carer training, communication and swallow safety, fatigue management, and equipment planning.
Resources and education materials are provided to support you and your whānau between sessions.

Unite

Your clinician will coordinate with other services — such as community rehabilitation teams, and public health providers — to make sure your care remains connected and responsive.
We’ll also help you link with peer networks, such as PSP and MSA support groups and online communities, to reduce isolation and share lived experiences.

Exceed

Our network includes clinicians with expertise in complex neurological rehabilitation.
Telehealth options are available so you can access consistent support wherever you live.
Early, coordinated allied health involvement can reduce crisis events, prevent injury, and improve quality of life for both clients and carers.

To be eligible, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of:

• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), or
• Multiple System Atrophy (MSA),

confirmed by a neurologist or geriatrician.

Once you're ready to get started, the process is simple:

1. Complete the online registration form.
   You’ll be asked for basic details about your diagnosis, any previous assessments, and your contact information. You’ll also review and agree to our patient terms and conditions and patient consents, which explain how we use your information and what to expect from the service. You can complete the form yourself, or a trusted nominee can do it on your behalf if needed.
2. You’ll receive an automated confirmation email, along with a PDF copy of your signed consent for your records.
3. You will receive a welcome email with pre-assessment form(s) to be completed and returned to hello@cann.org.nz
4. Within 5–10 working days, your assigned clinician will then contact you directly to confirm your eligibility and book your first appointment.
5. We aim to offer support as promptly as possible, but access may depend on available funding and clinical capacity. 

We rely on the generosity of grant funders and donors like you — and we appreciate your understanding if there are any delays in accessing our services.