Alzheimer’s drugs to be made available to all

The guidance means the drugs Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl will be available on prescription to people in the early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's and Ebixa will be available to people in the late stages. PCTs must now ensure they are providing funding for the drugs by June 2011.

This final decision was preceded by draft guidance and final draft guidance which both recommended the same outcome. It represents a reversal of the position which was in place since 2007 which limited access to drugs to only people in moderate stages. There was strong condemnation of that guidance from patient and professional groups.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'It is excellent news that the right decision has finally been set in stone. These drugs can make a real difference to the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of people with Alzheimer's. While they don't work for everyone, this guidance means that for the first time, everyone diagnosed with this disease should be given the choice of finding out if the drugs are effective for them.'

'It is now vital that all PCTs make the necessary changes to ensure these treatments are available. This will then hopefully encourage more people to go to their GP meaning diagnosis rates will improve and more people will have access to the care and support they so desperately need.'

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

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Notes to editors:

• 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