Victory for people with Alzheimer's

The development comes following final draft guidance published by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Alzheimer's Society services are holding celebrations around the country all week to mark the occasion.

The decision is a reversal of NICE's previous position - in place since 2007 - limiting access to only those in the moderate stages of the disease.

Andrew Chidgey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Society, says,

'This is a victory for people with Alzheimer's and their carers, many of whom have been campaigning for this day for years. These drugs don't work for everyone, but for some people they can radically improve their quality of life. We now need more people to be diagnosed early and for them to receive the treatment, support and advice that they desperately need.'

There are currently 465,000 people living with Alzheimer's in the UK and a further 62,000 people are developing Alzheimer's each year. The drugs - Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl - will now be available on prescription for people in the early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. These treatments have up to now been restricted to people in the moderate stages. A fourth drug, called Ebixa, will also be made available to people in the moderate to late stages.

Heather Roberts, 56, from Derby has Alzheimer's disease and has been heavily involved in the campaign since 2007. She says,

'It's absolutely fantastic that NICE has changed its guidelines on Alzheimer's drugs, but it's not before time. NICE should be ashamed of itself for restricting access to these essential drugs in the first place. Within six months of taking Aricept my memory had improved to how it had been two years previously. That is a measure of the difference it has made to me. I am still very independent - I've got my driving licence, regularly play tennis and enjoy going on holiday. Thank heavens NICE has finally seen sense.'

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For interviews with spokespeople and case studies, please contact Alzheimer's Society Press Office on 020 7423 3595.

Journalists and photographers are invited to attend a celebratory tea dance from 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Alzheimer's Society Bromley. If you would like to attend, please contact the Press Office.

Notes to editors:

• The final decision by NICE comes following the publication in October 2010 of draft guidance and is part of a review cycle of Alzheimer's drug treatments
• For more information on the background of Alzheimer's Society's campaigning work around NICE guidance on Alzheimer's drugs, visit alzheimers.org.uk/accesstodrugs
  
• If people are worried about their memory they should visit their GP. For information on drug treatments, an Alzheimer's Society factsheet is available
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk