Alzheimer's Decision Disregards Quality of Life of Elderly - Foster

11.45.09am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Oct 2006

Commenting on NICE's announcement that it will only approve access to certain Alzheimer's drugs for people in the moderate stages of the disease, Bath's MP, Don Foster, said:

"This is disappointing news to all those with mild Alzheimer's and their carers, who have witnessed the benefits of these drugs.

"NICE always has difficult decisions to make, but their process should take into account the wider benefits to society - and the potential for these drugs to reduce social care costs."

Professor Roy Jones Director of the Research Institute for the Care of Elderly (RICE), based in Bath, was a member of a separate NICE panel putting together new guidelines for dementia care. He has also expressed his disappointment, stating that NICE were given plenty of advice that they were making the wrong decision, yet they refused to alter it.

Don said:

"Unfortunately this decision sends the message that quality of life for older people does not matter.

"It seems to run counter to the Government's expressed desire to help people live independent lives for as long as possible."