Hundreds of thousands of people with Alzheimer’s
disease who have been denied medical treatment could soon be given
access to life-changing drugs on the NHS, says the Alzheimer’s Society.

The National Institute for Health and
Clinical Excellence (NICE) has ruled (Oct 7) that medications, which cost
£2.80 per person per day, are cost effective and should now be available on
prescription.

If the draft decision is upheld (after a 30-day consultation period) three drugs – Aricept,
Exelon and Reminyl – will be available on the NHS for people in the
early and moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These treatments have,
up to now, been restricted to people in the moderate stages. A fourth
drug, called Ebixa, would also be made available to people in the
moderate to late stages.

The Alzheimer’s Society says the draft decision is a victory for people with
Alzheimer’s disease and their carers who have campaigned for full access to the drug
treatments since they were controversially restricted in 2007.

Ruth Sutherland, interim chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said:
"This is a momentous day for thousands of people with Alzheimer’s
and their carers.

"These drugs can help people have a better quality of
life at all stages of the condition. While they don’t work for everyone,
small but important benefits can enable many people to recognise their
loved ones for longer, play with their grandchildren or make vital plans
for the future.

"The Alzheimer’s Society welcomes the draft decision and
will now be campaigning for more people to have access to the treatments
from today."

What does the decision mean for your loved ones?  

For more information, see: www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1465

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