NICE cover their tracks as people with dementia miss out

The Alzheimer's Society today reacted angrily to NICE appeal panel which:

• Removed references from the final appraisal decision (FAD) rather than address concerns from experts
• Papered over major flaws in the FAD by saying it's only guidance
• Continued to discriminate against people from different cultural and educational backgrounds
• Ignored the way the drugs can save money in other areas because it's outside NICE's remit
• Defended their appraisal process which is not suited to evaluating mental health conditions
• Left dangerous sedatives that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and falls as the remaining option for peple with Alzheimer's disease.

The decision will impact upon those in early stages of dementia who will be forced to wait until their condition deteriorates before receiving drugs that work and give them the chance for improved quality of life. In addition people in the later stages will also be denied access to the only licensed drugs proven to alleviate the distressing symptoms of late Alzheimer's such as aggression and agitation.

Clive Ballard, leading psychiatrist and director of research at the Alzheimer's Society says,

'NICE have admitted that they have made fundamental errors and that their guidance is discriminatory, yet unbelievably they are still not prepared to change their guidance. It is disgusting that they are prepared to put preserving their own reputations ahead of doing their job and making effective treatments available to people with Alzheimer's disease. It's now time for the Department of Health to take leadership over this farcical process and ensure appropriate and effective treatment's are available for people with Alzheimer's disease.'

The decision has been rejected by the Action on Alzheimer's Drugs Alliance an alliance of over 30 professional and patient organisations who have condemned the decision.

Read the response from the Action on Alzheimer's Drugs Alliance
Read the media briefing about the decision

Interviews are also available by contacting the Alzheimer's Society press office.