UK’s first emergency appeal to challenge NICE

The charity is urgently calling for public donations to help fight a decision to deny treatments to people in the early and late stages of Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Society strongly believes the process used by NICE to reach its decision was fundamentally flawed. NICE acknowledge the drugs work but say they are too expensive at £2.50 per person, per day.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says:

'To save the price of a cup of coffee, NICE is snatching time and quality of life from thousands of vulnerable people who will learn they have this devastating disease this year. NICE does not think that quality of life for people with dementia is worth £2.50. Show that you do, support our emergency appeal today. Donations will ensure the voice of vulnerable people is heard in court.'

Diana Barnes, a person with Alzheimer's disease, says:

'When I first started to take a drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease it was like a fog in my head had been lifted. I still have good days and bad days, but the drugs have made a real difference. I know the drugs have improved my quality of life. It seems madness to take away things that are helping people like me to live as normally as possible. They talk about money, but these drugs only cost £2.50 a day.'

This is the first time a decision by NICE has been challenged in court.

Earlier this month the Alzheimer's Society announced its intention to represent people with dementia and carers in a judicial review of the process.

Permission for the judicial review to proceed and a date for an appeal hearing are yet to be announced.