Statements from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Please see below for a list of statements from The ASI about recent developments and updates
The ASI Reacts to Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval of Leqembi in the UK
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency approval of Leqembi (Lecanemab) in the UK marks a significant development in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland welcomes any progress in the availability of disease modifying therapies for dementia.
As the European Medicines Agency’s decision not to approve Leqembi is currently under appeal, this treatment remains unavailable in the Republic of Ireland. This highlights a pressing issue in healthcare access, where people in neighbouring countries may have different levels of access to treatment options.
At The Alzheimer Society of Ireland we believe that people living with dementia in Ireland deserve the same opportunities for treatment as those in the UK and elsewhere. The fight against dementia is a global challenge, and it is crucial that no one is left behind in accessing new and potentially beneficial therapies.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will continue to support and advocate for people with dementia and their families so they can live as well as possible for as long as possible. For support, please reach out to our confidential Helpline on 1800 341 341.
Statement from The ASI on the Sad Passing of Ronan Smith
13th August, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Ronan Smith, a leading dementia advocate and former Chair of our Irish Dementia Working Group (IDWG) Steering Committee and The ASI Board of Directors.
Ronan was highly respected by all our staff and volunteer advocates. He was a real gentleman and had a rare gift of being a terrific listener and conversationalist.
Over many years, we were privileged to engage with Ronan as a leading advocate for the voice of people living with dementia – both in Ireland and in Europe.
We are grateful to Ronan for his work speaking publicly about living with dementia, he was a pioneer and an innovator and always encouraged new and diverse voices.
Ronan was our first guest on our AlzTalks storytelling event about dementia, in national newspapers, radio and on television, and took part in public speaking at conferences.
Ronan’s choice to be open about dementia broke down so many barriers and opened up so much understanding of dementia in Irish society.
We are particularly grateful to Ronan for his work on the IDWG Steering Group which gave the group increased prominence and supported the group’s regional development.
The ASI was very proud when Ronan joined our Board of Directors and his work on the board gave the organisation many valuable insights.
We all know that Ronan’s passing is deeply felt by everyone here at the ASI, our staff, volunteers and fellow advocates.
Ronan was one of a kind, and we are all so sorry to hear of his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronan’s family, especially Miriam, Hannah and Loughlin.
From everyone at The ASI.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
The ASI Reacts to European Medicines Agency Decision About Leqembi
26th July, 2024
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is disappointed that the European Medicines Agency did not recommend Leqembi for marketing approval. This means that the benefits were not judged to outweigh the risks. This news is not what we had hoped for – particularly as Leqembi is already available in other jurisdictions including the United States, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. The clinical trial data under consideration was the same and we are disappointed that the outcomes are different. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
This news is not what we had hoped for and will be incredibly disappointing for so many people across Europe. We urgently need safe and effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease.
There is no denying this is a setback however research and development into other treatment options and therapies is continuing worldwide. Earlier this month, another Disease Modifying Therapy (Donanemab) received FDA approval in the United States and are hopeful that will bring better news when reviewed in Europe.
The ASI will continue to support and advocate for people with dementia and their families so they can live as well as possible for as long as possible.