A LEADING Alzheimer’s care campaigner said she was delighted her work had been acknowledged in Parliament.
Eddisbury MP and Shadow Health Minister Stephen O’Brien praised Leila Potter, director of Bunbury Care Agency, in a Westminster Hall speech on dementia care.
This speech comes as UK scientists announce they have developed a drug which could halt the progression of the disease.
Aberdeen University researchers have discovered during trials that the drug Rember slows the progression of Alzheimer’s by as much as 81% compared with those not taking the treatment.
In the speech, Mr O’Brien focused on the importance of dementia care and the drugs that can often make life for the sufferer more bearable.
During his speech, he said: “There is the issue of drugs, particularly for the early stages of Alzheimer's. I pay tribute to all those who have campaigned on this issue, not least one of my own constituents, Leila Potter, who has been engaged for many decades with all those issues arising from caring and support with those with dementia.
“It is only right that NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) take into account as part of its criteria wider societal costs, such as the earlier requirement for care that would otherwise not be needed if drugs were prescribed at an early stage.”
Mrs Potter frequently campaigns on the issue, criticising NICE for only offering disease slowing drugs to those in the advanced stages of the illness.
Mrs Potter said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be mentioned in Hansard. It was great to see our cause being pushed to theb forefront and that it is being taken seriously.
“We have an ageing population and therefore Alzheimer’s will affect more and more of us. We need NICE to take notice and allow drugs that will make all the difference reach the patients who need them.”
Mrs Potter also said she welcomes the news about pioneering drug treatment for Alzheimer’s, saying: “We are overjoyed at this news, this is just what we have wanted. It brings hope to those who suffer.”
