Alzheimer's drugs to be given to mild sufferers

Published on Wednesday 6 October 2010 15:49

A U-TURN by treatment watchdogs is set to increase access to Alzheimer's drugs across the UK.

Key medicines to treat the condition have previously only been recommended for people in its moderate stages, excluding those with mild symptoms.

Now the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has published new draft guidance for England saying the medicines should now be made available to people with mild symptoms - potentially benefiting thousands. It is likely that the same position will also be adopted in Scotland. The Nice advice - though subject to appeal - says Aricept (donepezil), Reminyl (galantamine) and Exelon (rivastigmine) will be made available to mild sufferers.

Campaigners said even though the drugs were not officially recommended in Scottish guidance, most patients with mild symptoms had been able to access them as GPs had more freedom to use their own judgment. when prescribing.

Alzheimer Scotland also welcomed news that a drug to treat severe forms of the disease - called Ebixa - should soon become available in Scotland.