What are people's experiences?

People with dementia and their carers share their thoughts on the importance of access to drugs.

'On medication I feel more confident, trying to maintain independence. I didn't think I could write but I can. I enjoy the day centre, I find it uplifting.'

- Person with dementia

'The tablets mean that my husband is able to take part in family life for a bit longer.'

- Carer

'When I first started to take a drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease it was like a fog in my head had been lifted.'

- Person with dementia

'Having available drug treatments has encouraged people with dementia to come out of the shadows, to say 'This is what I have,' and 'This is what I take.' Doctors won't think it's worth referring patients to specialist services such as memory clinics if the drugs are no longer available.'

- Person with dementia

'I don't know what I'd do without these drugs. I'd been hoping for more and better drugs. We were bitterly disappointed to hear this decision to withdraw drugs that are available.'

- Person with dementia

'What would be the cost for increasing numbers of old people who can't stay in their own homes and have to use ever diminishing care facilities in NHS or live in care home. Have those costs been taken into consideration?'

- Carer

'Since taking the drug treatments, his warm character has returned and friends have remarked that, 'Ron has got his twinkle back.' To NICE, that twinkle is too expensive, but to me it makes my life of caring worthwhile.'

- Carer