Randerson Deplores Ban on Alzheimer's Drugs

1.37.06pm GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

NICE (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has chosen to deny three Alzheimer's drugs[1] to newly diagnosed patients. From today In England and Wales, the restrictions on Alzheimer's drugs will be much tougher than Scotland where NICE decisions do not apply.

The drugs can improve memory, language and the ability to perform daily activities in dementia patients.

Jenny Randerson health spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats said "I deplore this decision which denies drugs to patients at a vital stage in the disease. Scotland is lucky in that the decision is not taken out of their hands like it is in Wales.

"The impact upon carers does not seem to have been taken into account. Decisions must be based on a holistic and open approach not a pick and mix secret approach."

Ends/diwedd

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[1] Cholinesterase inhibitors