Former Wolverhampton nurse dies amid dementia drug shortages
The family of a former nurse who died after struggling to access her dementia medication is speaking out about national drug shortages. While the UK Department of Health claims most medicines are in good supply, they acknowledge intermittent issues with specific drugs like Galantamine.
Why it matters
This highlights the human impact of pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions on vulnerable patients and their caregivers.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Joanne Writtle West Midlands health correspondent Family picture Pearl Roche died with dementia weeks after her family struggled to get supplies of her regular medication A former nurse died weeks after her family was unable to get her regular medication for dementia, amid national supply problems.
Pearl Roche's family said they wanted to speak out because she spent her life caring for others, and would never want to see anyone else suffer.
Her medication, Galantamine, is used to treat mild to moderate memory loss and mental changes linked to Alzheimer's disease. While not a cure, her family believe it improved her quality of life.
The Department of Health said the vast majority of medicines were in good supply, but it was aware of intermittent supply issues affecting Galantamine.
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