News Release, 19 July 2005
The Mental Health Foundation is disappointed by National Institute of Clinical Excellence’s postponement of a decision on the use of donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantime to treat people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
On the day a decision was expected from NICE, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of The Mental Health Foundation said:
“It is well known that some individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can respond well to these medications. It therefore seems reasonable that individuals in the early stages of dementia should be given the choice to receive the only medications licensed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.”
The mental health charity is concerned that the uncertainty caused by this decision, could also prevent individuals from receiving an early diagnosis. Dr McCulloch continues to say that:
"The Government must take steps to ensure that this delay does not discourage GPs from working towards the earliest diagnosis possible with their patients, whether or not medical treatment is available. Increasing numbers of people are developing dementia in the UK and an early diagnosis can be beneficial for both patients and their families. It can help individuals to plan for their future, and encourage open discussion about prognosis, carer support and non-medical treatments available.”
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