Alzheimer's Society comment: new research suggesting Dimebon improves symptoms of people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease

These initial findings imply that Dimebon could be more effective than treatments currently licensed for people with Alzheimer's, however this was a modest sized study.

More substantial research is now needed, which studies more people over a longer period of time, to investigate the true value of this drug and whether it treats Alzheimer's disease itself or just the symptoms.

Susanne Sorensen    
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Reference:

R Doody, M Sano, R Thomas, P Aisen, S Bachurin, L Seely, D Hung (2008) Effect of dimedon on cognition, activities of daily living, behaviour, and global function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Lancet, Vol 372.

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Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
• For further information please contact the Press Office on   020 7423 3595.