02.09.10
Alzheimer’s drugs decision welcomed by clinicians and campaigners
People with early Alzheimer’s will get drugs on the NHS after a NICE decision to extend their use.
Three drugs previously restricted to moderate-to-severe symptoms will now be available to slow the progression of the illness, and another used in research trials now for those with severe or moderate symptoms.
The drugs are donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Reminyl), rivastigmine (Exelon) and memantine (Ebixa).
Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, Rebecca Wood, said: “These drugs hold the promise of relief from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s for thousands of people and, while not the cure we desperately need, they can still help.
“It’s an irony that clinical research of the kind that has helped realise the benefits of drugs like these remains sorely under-funded in the UK. If we are to produce treatments that can alter the course Alzheimer’s disease itself, rather than just temporary relief from symptoms, then research is our only answer.”
Deborah Gatesman, whose father has Alzheimer’s, said: “My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003. He was prescribed Aricept for six months and it really helped to stabilise his erratic behaviour. It’s fantastic news that this drug is now available for more people who could benefit. It was heartbreaking to see dad deteriorate dramatically when he stopped taking the treatment. What I’d really love is to see a treatment that could stop this disease once and for all.”
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