NICE U Turn on Dementia Drugs
really good to hear that NICE have decided to do an about turn on the availability of the 4 main researched drugs that combat early, middle and late onset demetia - great news for organisations, families and carers supporting people with this debilitating and destructive disease.
Fully agree with you there Nicola.
Back in 2007 I did everything I could to prevent The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) from restricting the use of drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer's type dementia... basically, at one time it could be prescribed for people in the 'mild' range (i.e. minor cognitive impairment)... they then changed the goalpoasts to 'moderate', meaning that people in the early stages cound not benefit... this I felt (and not the only one) was a travesty, as it meant people that were newly diagnosed would more than likely have to wait until they got 'quite a bit worse' before they could be prescribed the drugs... there were some exceptions, but generally - cut and dried - "come back when you've deteriorated and then we'll see what we can do".
Imagine doing my job... being a nurse and WANTING people to get the best quality of care and treatment for them to live as independantly as possible, and knowing that all this was going on.
The drugs where seen to not be "effective" enough in the early stages and hence the change in 2007 - having workied with people who take this medication, it really DOES make a difference... imagine if you struggled to make a cup of tea... or get washed and dressed... or do your shopping - and there was a tablet that could help you do that - a generalisation this, but believe me, for a lot of people these examples and MANY more highlight what a difference medication can make!
Sadly though, there are some potential side-effects (including gastric problems, nausea) which means that not everyone would be suitable... but those on the medication are monitored and given support.
Fingers crossed it all goes well - it REALLY will make a difference... the drugs are often referred to as "Anti-Dementia Drugs" which isn't a good name as they neither 'Cure' or 'Prevent' Alzheimer's type dementia... but in most cases it CAN slow the progression of the illness down... if I were in the situation, I would DEFINITELY wish to be considered for being prescribed this type of medication.
I absolutely agree with you. I would also want to be considered for this medication.
I absolutely agree. NICE have been very short sighted in not agreeing to the availabilty of these drugs. If people are prescribed early, then it prevents people from entering into the social care system. The costs are reduced and the general wellbeing of people are increased, if they are able to stay at home longer.
As someone who was given a trial on this medication early on after my initial diagnosis, I do think they made a big mistake in stopping it being given.
I only hope that they don't do that same thing again later in the hope of cuttings costs.
This medication does work so we have to fight to keep getting it.
Ken
as I have worked with people who did riceive the drug at home
and people who were refursed the drug .,Those who did get the drug ,it slows down the progres of the illness.those who didn'tget the drug in the early stages, they deteriate fast .Please it must be allowed to those who need it.