MP champions improved dementia care

Jim Dobbin MP and Professor Peter Passmore

Heywood and Middleton MP, Jim Dobbin is calling on health services to help improve standards of care in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by following the latest advice from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on drug treatment.

Earlier this month Mr Dobbin met with Professor Peter Passmore, one of the UK’s foremost consultants on dementia, at the Houses of Parliament; an event initiated by Lundbeck UK, to discuss the increasing numbers of people affected by AD in Heywood and Middleton and how the current treatment options recommended by NICE may help improve patient care.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating effect on people’s lives – patients, carers and their families. There are now recommended treatments available that will benefit their condition and it is essential that the local health trusts work with patients to ensure they have the best treatment available,” said Mr Dobbin. “I was delighted to meet with Professor Passmore to discuss the issue in more detail and other local MPs who recognise the importance of better Alzheimer’s care.”

The parliamentary event was an opportunity for Professor Passmore to discuss with MPs the work he does with dementia sufferers and the challenges he faces, including reducing the use of antipsychotics, in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

In November 2009 Professor Banerjee published a report on the use of antipsychotics in dementia. In September last year the Department of Health called on doctors to reduce the inappropriate use of antipsychotics in people with dementia, as currently only 1 in 5 patients derive benefit from their use.

Professor Passmore said: “The parliamentary meeting was a fantastic opportunity to speak with Jim, who is committed to fighting for Alzheimer’s disease patients in Heywood and Middleton, to discuss the local issues. I hope that other parliamentarians who were unable to attend the meetings will take similar effective action to improve care in their region.”