Alzheimer's Society comment on new guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on life-extending treatments for people who are terminally ill and not expected to live more than two years
Published 2 January 2009
End of life treatment is extremely important for all people with a terminal disease.
1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia; it is unreasonable that these people will not benefit from NICE's flexibility.
Whilst it is good that NICE is adopting some flexibility, NICE's entire remit needs to be reviewed. Everyone with a terminal condition deserves the best treatment and care available to them. It needs to be about quality care, not just extending life. People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease are still being denied access to the only drug treatments available to them.
Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.
For more information please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk
