Alzheimer's campaigners vow to fight on over drug ruling

9:44am Tuesday 14th August 2007

CAMPAIGNERS will continue to challenge a ruling that denies people in the early stages Alzheimer's drugs which can slow the illness.

The Alzheimer's Society was dealt a bitter blow at a judicial review in the High Court on Friday which confirmed the guidance given from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence - that people with "mild" symptoms should not be given drugs on the NHS.

NICE had provided revised guidelines to health trusts in England and Wales on the prescription of drugs, which can cost as little as £2.50 a day, last year.

But while the court ruled it had not acted unfairly or irrationally NICE will have to rewrite advice that could have discriminated against some people.

Epping Forest Alzheimer's Society branch manager Lisa Hayday said: "The numbers of people with dementia are going up and up and we will continue to challenge the decision. Giving the right drugs to people in the early stages of the illness will give them a chance to delay the possible onset of symptoms and have a better quality of life. To deny people these and to wait until they're already in the middle stage of the illness will not have the desired effect."

More than 3,000 people suffer with Alzheimer's in west Essex but the number is rising.

Mrs Hayday added: "It's all about cost. These drugs cost less than a box of chocolates but could mean a better life for both the person taking them and their carer."

Alzheimer's Society chief executive Neil Hunt described the result as "devastating" adding: "Without further change to the guidance people in the early stages of the disease will still be refused drugs because NICE considers these people are not worth £2.50 a day.

"This is insulting and devastating news. People will be forced to deteriorate before they get the treatment they need."

The High Court decision comes less than a week after Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis unveiled a new national strategy designed to provide an overhaul of dementia and dementia services, and bring dementia onto an equal footing with Britain's other terminal diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

The aims of the strategy are to raise better awareness of the disease, increase early diagnosis, and offer high quality treatment, Mrs Hayday said: "Any partnership of people working together to bring dementia to the forefront is to be welcomed. It has been a long time coming."

An information campaign with tips for detecting the first signs of dementia, specific training to improve diagnosis and guidance for the NHS and social care to manage the care of dementia sufferers are being considered as part of the strategy.

For more information and advice, ring Lisa Hayday on 01992 717676.