The NHS must prepare for a future where Alzheimer’s is treatable and even curable, experts say.
New treatments being developed mean patients’ outcomes will get ‘better and better’ and the disease could even be ‘eradicated’, according to leading researchers.
The first-ever treatment found to slow the disease was given the green light in the UK – only for it to be refused on the NHS.
In a blow to tens of thousands of patients, lecanemab was deemed to deliver benefits ‘too small to justify the significant cost to the NHS’ by drugs watchdog NICE. Independent estimates put the annual cost at around £30,000 per patient.
New treatments being developed mean patients’ outcomes will get ‘better and better’ (stock image)
The first-ever treatment found to slow the disease was given the green light in the UK – only for it to be refused on the NHS (stock image)
The devastating disease could even be ‘eradicated’, according to leading researchers (stock photo)
Sir John Hardy, of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: ‘These drugs – lecanemab and donanemab and others coming down the line – show that we can alter the disease.
‘That is why researchers are so excited. Every year from now, things are going to get better and better.
‘I don’t want to kick the NHS – but we have to lobby the government to help the NHS get organised so patients can benefit, starting now.’
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said it would await a final decision from NICE, which is expected next month.