Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis and Access to Experimental Drugs
Debate between Baroness Browning and Baroness Blake of Leeds
Baroness Browning (Con)
My Lords, does the Minister accept that, prior to a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, many people are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and sometimes there is a very long gap between that diagnosis and ultimately a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s? Will she look at the way in which the new plan is drafted to ensure that once a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment has been given, there is a much quicker follow-up? Sometimes it is years later, and by then it is too late. I should declare that I am an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I thank the noble Baroness. I will just reflect on exactly what she has said as it is so important. We know that even without a definite diagnosis, so many preventive interventions could be made. If the early signs are there, they should be flagged up, and individuals can then take their own preventive measures and particularly, I hope, be supported by their friends and family to delay the onset, but also to make sure if signs start to get worse, they can be rapidly progressed along the system.
Breast Cancer Screening: Women Over 70
Debate between Baroness Browning and Baroness Blake of Leeds
Baroness Blake of Leeds
I stress the importance of being mindful of all ongoing research, as there is extensive research going on in all areas of cancer. We also need to be very mindful of the new technologies coming forward. The EDITH programme, looking at the use of AI, could potentially significantly reduce the number of medical practitioners who need to be involved in screening, thus freeing up capacity and making sure that trials can be implemented. I want to reassure my noble friend of the work that is happening and the intention to abide by the timeframes set.
Baroness Browning (Con)
Does the Minister agree that, since it is a given fact that women over 70 can self-refer every three years, there is no need for these layers of bureaucracy and administration in the health service? There is no reason why a GP needs to refer a woman in that age group to their local breast screening unit. I go into the hospital breast-screening unit and say, “Could I please book an appointment?” They say, “Yes, certainly”. No GP comes anywhere near it. Let us cut out the bureaucracy; there is too much of it in the NHS.
Baroness Blake of Leeds
To veer away from breast cancer for a moment, one of the most successful programmes I was involved in was working with the local authority and local NHS services to remove the need to see a GP to be referred for lung x-rays. This programme particularly targeted men in disadvantaged areas and, my goodness, it had a huge impact. This is something that needs to be taken seriously. A lot of people, men and women, are averse to going to seek medical help. We need to make available as many opportunities as we possibly can.