11/03/12
A revolutionary new pill costing just 6p per day is able to keep sufferers of Alzheimer’s out of care homes and able to perform their own tasks such as washing, dressing and shopping.
A study was recently conducted on donepezil, a drug which works by enhancing the neurotransmitter acetylocholine which keeps neurons firing correctly and maintaining brain function.
Until now, donepezil has only been administered to people with mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s, with doctor’s believing that there were no benefits for those with advanced dementia.
However, the study provides evidence which suggests that the drug can maintain a better quality of life whereby those with even late-stage dementia can continue to perform menial tasks for themselves for at least 12 months longer than those who did not take the pill. This also delayed the necessity of entering into a care home.
Researchers at the University College London (UCL) predicted that up to 26,000 people a year could be kept out of care homes if prescribed the drug.
The drug could not only be good news for suffers of dementia and their families, but could considerably lessen the financial burden for both the NHS and self funders.
The drug costs just over £20 for a year’s supply compared to an average of £34,000 that it costs to place someone in a care home.
Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at UCL was adamant that the drug must be used until Alzheimer’s was completely cured.
“It’s a moderate effect but it’s important if it’s your mother or your wife or someone close to you,” he said.
“Our new results show that these benefits translate into a delay in becoming dependent on residential care, an event that many people dread.
“The drug is available very cheaply, and it’s available now, so it’s something that could have a benefit now.”
With the emphasis being on something that can improve the condition at present, the drug appears to be a positive development that can be made immediate.
The drug does come with some possible side effects, including heart arrhythmia and nausea.
Nevertheless, Dr Ian Maidment, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy at Aston University, and spokesperson for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said doctors should reconsider withdrawing donepezil if a patient is maintaining independence.
“Most people with dementia and their carers want to live at home for as long as possible,” he said.
“Stopping donepezil could worsen the ability of the person with dementia to cope with the usual activities of daily living which may mean that living at home becomes impossible.”
Dr Kathryn Adcock, Head of Neurosciences and Mental Health at the Medical Research Council, added: “This study provides strong evidence that donepezil can benefit people in the more severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease for longer than was expected.
“The number of people with dementia is at a critical level and it’s never been more important to invest in research to help doctors make informed decisions about treatments for their patients.
“We currently have no cure for dementia but we are closing the gap and in the meantime, we are committed to developing effective and safe treatments to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.”
Written By:
Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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