Charity to challenge NICE in the High Court

NICE's controversial decision to deny people in the early and late stages of Alzheimer's disease access to drug treatments came into force last November. The Alzheimer's Society will be challenging NICE's decision as part of a Judicial Review lodged at the High Court. Its legal team will be championing the rights of people with dementia and their carers who have been ignored in this process.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says,

'More than 100,000 people will develop dementia this year; yet NICE has completely ignored the shattering effect that this decision will have not just on them but their carers too. This is a fatally flawed decision, and we are left with no choice but to challenge it in court. We are determined to get justice for thousands of people across the country.'

This unprecedented move follows a two year battle over whether people should have access to the only effective drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease on the NHS, at a cost of just £2.50 a day.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• In March 2005, NICE ruled that all drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease should not be prescribed on the NHS because of cost. Following overwhelming condemnation from the public, professionals and campaigns NICE changed its position to allow limited access to the treatments.
• Pfizer/Eisai had already announced its intention to challenge this decision through a Judicial Review and will be the lead claimant. The Alzheimer's Society will be acting as one of a number of separate interested parties in this challenge. Its legal team will be representing the interests of people with dementia and their carers and raising additional arguments.
• The Alzheimer's Society is a charity that relies on public donations. NICE doesn't think that people with dementia and their carers are worth £2.50 a day. Show you do. Support our campaign to improve the lives of people affected by dementia by donating £2.50. You can donate online or by calling 0845 306 0898.
• The Alzheimer's Society does not accept funding or any other support from the pharmaceutical industry for its campaign on access to Alzheimer's drug treatments. See the Alzheimer's Society policy on ethical issues and relations with commercial organisations.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline on 0845 300 0336.