Launch of once a day drink for people with early Alzheimer's disease

The product, Souvenaid is a result of ten years research into the nutritional needs of people living with the condition.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'People shouldn’t get excited that an off-the-shelf drink is going to transform the lives of people with dementia. While past studies of this product have showed some benefits for memory, there is no evidence that it has an effect on other aspects of thinking or everyday life and there was also no benefit on other symptoms of dementia.

'This is likely to cost about £1,000 a year and is a lot less effective than current drugs available for people in the early stages of dementia. For many older people with dementia where finances might be tight, people are probably much better off putting their money towards good quality care or taking part in exercise. One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. It's vital we continue to fund research into new treatments to enable people to live well with the condition.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Further information

• Find out about Alzheimer's Society Research