Research backs the use of Alzheimer's drug denied to thousands of Britons

By FIONA MACRAE

Last updated at 00:08 31 July 2007

An Alzheimer's drug denied to tens of thousands of Britons has been shown to improve the memory and day-to-day life of those in the late stages of the disease.

Doctors have found that Aricept - ruled too expensive for widespread use in the UK - can drastically improve patients' quality of life.

The study, which adds further weight to an increasing body of evidence confirming the drug's benefits to sufferers of severe Alzheimer's, comes as Britain's drug rationing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence awaits a High Court ruling on its decision to deny the drug to up to 50,000 annually.

Despite costing just £2.50 a day, NICE has ruled that it is too expensive for those in the early stages of the disease and should only be prescribed once a worsening of symptoms leads to their condition being classed as 'moderate' rather than mild.

The Alzheimer's Society, whose legal challenge is being funded by the Daily Mail, say the restrictions, which also apply to Exelon and Reminyl, means new patients are being refused help at the time they would benefit most.

A fourth tablet - Exiba, which has been shown to help those in the later stages of the disease - is denied to all. This means the only drugs available for those with severe Alzheimer's are powerful sedatives, which do nothing to halt the progress of the disease.

For the latest study, researchers from the University of Toronto, recruited 350 men and women in the late stages of Alzheimer's.

Half were given Aricept for six months, while half were given a dummy pill. Those taking the Alzheimer's drug showed a definite improvement in memory, language and attention.

Alzheimer's experts say the findings, published in the journal Neurology, strengthen the call for Aricept to be prescribed to all who need it. Dr Susanne Sorensen, of the Alzheimer's Society, said even small changes could make a big difference to quality of life.

She said: 'It is unrealistic to expect a "recovery" but a small improvement may be extremely valuable for the person with dementia and their carer.

'It could delay the need to move into a nursing home and can also mean being able to indicate when you are hungry or thirsty, or increase a person's mobility.

'It is ironic that this study is being published at a time when NICE is facing a legal challenge over the decision to restrict its use to people in the moderate stages of the disease.

'The society believes people with dementia should be given the opportunity to try treatments and that experienced clinicians should have the flexibility to continue prescribing drugs where they think it is appropriate.'

Rebecca Wood, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: 'There is little, if anything, to give to people with severe Alzheimer's, so if Aricept is shown to be of benefit, we would want to see it being used.'

Trish Cohen, whose husband David has taken Aricept for two years, called for it to be given to as many patients as possible.

Mrs Cohen, 72, of Chelmsford, Essex, said: 'Aricept gave me back the man I fell in love with. I don't know how NICE can justify not giving it to people.'

NICE said it is unable to recommend prescription for sufferers of severe Alzheimer's until the drug is licensed for such a use. Eisai, the Japanese firm which makes Aricept, also known as donepezil, has been granted such a licence in the U.S.. However, it will not comment about its plans to go through the European licensing process.

The High Court decision on the prescription to those with mild Alzheimer's is due next Friday.