PATIENTS, carers and health professionals in Fenland are on the march to protest against a decision to restrict NHS prescriptions for Alzheimer s drugs. They will be lobbying North East Cambridgeshire MP Malcolm Moss next Friday and handing over a petitio

PATIENTS, carers and health professionals in Fenland are on the march to protest against a decision to restrict NHS prescriptions for Alzheimer's drugs.

They will be lobbying North East Cambridgeshire MP Malcolm Moss next Friday and handing over a petition asking that doctors continue to prescribe Alzheimer's drug treatments to patients who can benefit from them.

The group will meet outside March Town Hall and make its way, carrying placards, to Mr Moss' High Street office.

A decision by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) means that from November 22 people in the early and late stages of Alzheimer's disease can be refused drug treatment. It will not apply to those currently on drug treatments.

Janet Feary, of the Marshland and Fenland branch of the Alzheimer's Society, said the treatments were of great benefit to people at all stages of the disease and cost only £2.50 a day.

"These drugs do not provide a cure but they do prolong quality of life for patients and their families," she said. "We are seeing the reality of it all the time here in Fenland, it allows people to cope for longer and £2.50 is nothing."

A national campaign launched by the Alzheimer's Society is aimed at lobbying MPs to get the Government to back down.

Anyone wishing to take part in the protest, sign the petition or offer help in any way should contact Fenland branch manager Tina Kierman on 01945 580460.