Availability Of Cheaper Drugs To Help Diagnosis

Availability Of Cheaper Drugs To Help Early Diagnosis

Alzheimers New Zealand is delighted Pharmac has released a date for the availability of subsidised dementia medication, Donepezil-Rex.

Today Pharmac said Donepezil-Rex, a cholinesterase inhibitor which can help slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease and improve cognitive function, memory and mood, will be available on 1 November 2010. The medication can be particularly beneficial for people with mild to moderate stage Alzheimer’s disease.

In early May this year, Pharmac announced it would subsidise the medication, bringing a 98% reduction in cost to approximately 15,000 New Zealanders over a three-year period. Medsafe approved the medication this week.

Alzheimers New Zealand’s national director Johan Vos hopes the reduction in cost will encourage people to get a proper diagnosis from their GP.

“It is essential people with problems with their memory and cognitive function are properly diagnosed to determine whether or not they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Memory problems can also be related to side effects of medication or depression so it is important to determine the cause. If they are facing Alzheimer’s disease, a proper diagnosis enables them to access relevant support services.”

He says the organisation is supporting more and more people with Alzheimer’s disease under the age of 65, for whom Donepezil-Rex may be particularly useful.

“Access to an inexpensive medication such as Donepezil-Rex can enable people with Alzheimer’s disease to have more control over their lives. Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, so this type of medication, which helps people maintain cognitive ability, is beneficial and we are delighted a date has been set for its availability.”

Over 12,300 New Zealanders are diagnosed with dementia every year, but the organisation estimates many more people struggle with the disease without proper diagnosis and support.

Alzheimers New Zealand enables people with dementia and their families to live life to the fullest through its 23 local Alzheimers organisations, which provide support services, education, information, awareness and advocacy.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease Dementia occurs as a result of physical changes in the structure of the brain which affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. In New Zealand, 40,746 people have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (50-70%). By 2026, 74,821 people will have dementia and by 2050, 146,699 people will have dementia. These numbers are growing dramatically due to an aging population combined with the fact people are living longer. Diagnosis is also being made at an increasingly younger age, sometimes in people as young as 50. There is no cure.

www.alzheimers.org.nz

ENDS

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