(2) what plans there are to keep under review the cost effectiveness of prescribing donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine to all patient groups with Alzheimer’s disease;
(3) what assessment she has made of the effect of the recent announcement by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to stop the use of donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine in certain patient groups with Alzheimer’s disease; and if she will make a statement.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued a technology appraisal on donepezil, galantamine, rivastigimine and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and a wider clinical guideline on dementia services on 22 November. This guidance has the same status as other technology appraisals and clinical guidelines published by NICE and its original 2001 appraisal guidance on drugs for Alzheimer’s disease has been withdrawn. NICE expects to review the technology appraisal in September 2009 and the clinical guideline in November 2010.
The technology appraisal states that people with mild Alzheimer’s disease who are currently receiving donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine, may be continued on therapy until they, their carers and/or specialist consider it appropriate to stop.