Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis and Access to Experimental Drugs
Debate between Baroness Murphy and Baroness Blake of Leeds
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The noble Baroness has touched on a really important issue. There is an enormous amount of research going into this area, for very obvious reasons. This is one area that would make so much sense, and I am sure it has been picked up. What is important about the modern service framework is that all these measures are picked up and looked at. The speed with which we can fast-track research now is a fundamental factor in supporting the outcomes we are looking for.
Baroness Murphy (CB)
Does the Minister agree that while the current generation of drugs is not very efficacious—and, sadly, more research recently has demonstrated that it is not terribly good—the most important reason for early diagnosis, as we have said, is to get the services in that people need? We are talking about nearly 1 million people now, and usually the GP is not the person who diagnoses—it is usually the home help or the person next door. We need rapid access for people to be able to get assistance to get the diagnosis they need—otherwise, we will never get anywhere near medication.
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The noble Baroness is absolutely right and, if we stay as we are, the projected figures moving forward to 2040 are, frankly, terrifying. I recognise what she is saying. Do not forget that grandchildren spend so much time with their grandparents and often are the first to notice changing behaviour. I think that picks up on the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Pitkeathley, about an awareness campaign so that when people pick up on the symptoms, they know where to go to get support. Early prevention and intervention have to be the key.