Close on the heels of a petition from charities and campaign groups to extend the reach of Alzheimer’s drugs, the NHS drug regulator has disallowed the use of the drug during the preliminary stages of the disease.
When John, aged 77, showed initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s, doctors had recommended the benefit of one of the controversial drugs, ‘Aricept’ in retarding the advancement of the disease. After 2 years of consuming the drug, which had improved John’s life remarkably, Doctors suggested that John participate in the clinical trial of a new drug that held promise for reversing the downslide in Alzheimer’s patients.During the trial, the drug ‘Aricept’ was replaced by the new drug. John’s wife, Valerie, could visibly perceive the rapid decline in John’s condition with the new drug. Valerie perceivably distraught said,” In just a couple of weeks after coming off the drug, he absolutely fell to pieces. He had been able to do most things; make a cup of tea, dress himself. But he was totally dependent within the fortnight. He couldn't dress himself; he started to wander and to fall. He didn't even know where our bedroom was."
Presently the couple have withdrawn from the clinical trial of the new drug and reverted to the previous treatment with ‘Aricept.’ The couple vouch that this drug had done wonders to improve their quality of life.
The National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence reiterated, the drugs are not to be used for management of early stages of the disease.
Source-Medindia
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