Celeb supporters speak out against NICE decision

AA Gill

Newspaper columnist and writer

'This is depressingly predictable. It is an act of meanness from NICE that those of us who can, won't forget.'

Bernie Nolan

Actress and singer

'I am appalled at NICE's decision. I really believed that after hearing the arguments of families suffering wityh the disease, whether directly or indirectly, that they would see sense! I can only deduce from this, that they are dealing with this issue totally from a political and impersonal standpoint. One can only hope that none of their family or close friends ever suffer from this terrible disease, perhaps only then would they realise the enormity of their decision.'

Sally Lindsay

Actress

'How can they (NICE) force people to wait until their condition deteriorates before they are offered treatments that work? This decision means making people live their lives scared and confused rather than in good health. Then when they get worse again - they are abandoned again.'

Russell Grant

Astrologer

'Having been a carer for a loved one with Alzheimer's and since then helped on all fronts, please tell me, what is the point of withholding any drugs which can help at the early stages? That is precisely WHEN IT IS NEEDED. For God's sake if we can keep this dreaded disease at bay in its early stage then we will at least hold back the onslaught of its full fury and relieve the pressure off of the carers, loved ones and authorities. Not to is official cruelty based on economic mismanagement - if this was done to children or animals their would be uproar, why are people with dementia not worth the same help, support and compassion?'

Dame Judi Dench

Actress

'I was terribly shocked to hear about the proposed withdrawal of the Alzheimer's drugs. Alzheimer's is such an appalling disease that it is wicked to remove any kind of drug that gives the patient some comfort or relief.'

Sir Tim Rice

'The decision to prevent vital dementia drugs being obtained free on the NHS is incomprehensible. As our country's average age increases, it is more vital than ever that people who suffer from conditions such as Alzheimer's are not pushed to the back of the queue. The drugs work - but I wonder about the NHS.'

Sir Alan Ayckbourn

Writer

'Along with many others, I have seen at first hand how the condition can impact on the sufferer and the carer. Such a short-sighted policy will not save money; it will only increase the sums that will be needed to look after the unwell, whilst at the same time increasing their misery.'

Richard Briers

Actor

'This proposal by NICE is just another example of the daily discrimination people with dementia face. £2.50 a day for such life enhancing drugs is such a small price to pay for treatment that can make a world of difference to the thousands of people with Alzheimer's and the millions more who care for a loved one with this devastating disease.'

Britt Ekland

Actress

'The bigger picture is the enormous cost that the government will have to pay to care for people with Alzheimer's in hospitals and care homes if these treatments are withdrawn.'

Fiona Phillips

Presenter

'Now it seems that small light of hope is about to be extinguished for so many families. £2.50 isn't much to change someone's life for a day, is it?'