Lecanemab UK license for Alzheimer’s, not recommended by NICE

Commenting on the availability of Lecanemab in the UK, Frances Lawrence CEO, Dementia Carers Count said:

“New treatment options such as Lecanemab offer hope for the future. In the interim, one in two of us will either care for someone with dementia, or need dementia care ourselves.

“Many carers struggle to cope with devastating changes to their relationships and increasing caring responsibilities, which may start before a dementia diagnosis is given and continue through to end of life care.

“When NICE, the regulatory body which recommends which drugs should be available on the NHS, considers what funding might be available for dementia treatments, it should also consider what resources are needed to enable carers to access practical and emotional support. Health and social care must be considered in the round. NICE’s own recommendations for the support that dementia carers should receive, are in practice unfunded. Instead, families are left to their own devices. This needs to change.

“We believe everyone caring for someone with dementia should be able to access information, advice and personal support. No dementia carer should feel overwhelmed or alone.

“While research into treatment continues, we are here to provide free, personal and confidential practical advice and emotional support to anyone caring for someone with dementia.”