Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

As a new study shows more people expected to live with dementia…

Could a new drug help?

A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that a total of 1.7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales by 2040.


The research highlighted increasing numbers of people who will suffer from Alzheimer’s.

The disease would massively increase the burden on the healthcare system.

The research was led by University of College London (UCL).

Lead researcher, Dr Yuntao Chen said, "It is shocking to think that the number of people living with dementia by 2040 may be up to 70 per cent higher than if dementia incidence had continued to decline.

"Not only will this have a devastating effect on the lives of those involved but it will also put a considerably larger burden on health and social care than current forecasts predict.

"Continued monitoring of the incidence trend will be crucial in shaping social care policy."

However, a recent development in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease suggests it could help reduce symptoms and lessen the care burden for patients and their caregivers.

Luye Pharma Ltd launched a new product, Zeyzelf, which is a twice-weekly patch to treat mild or moderately severe dementia.

DOUBLE PACK SHOT Zeyzelf is launched by Luye Pharma Ltd. Credit: Luye Pharma

The company said it is the first-ever patch in the UK which does not need to be applied daily, and it works by blocking certain enzymes in the brain to help reduce symptoms.

Luye Pharma said it is also useful when elderly patients are unable or unwilling to swallow tablets.

Alzheimer's symptoms begin with minor memory problems and then progress in severity.

It is most common in people over 65 who may experience a variety of symptoms.

They include confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places, difficulty planning or making decisions, and problems with speech or language.

Luye Pharma’s general manager, Andy Farrant said, “Zeyzelf twice-weekly patches are an important development in the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia, where a small change can make a big difference.

“Healthcare professionals and carers all recognise that compliance is a major issue in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Luye has launched Zeyzelf twice weekly to help meet this unmet need.

“The product has been incredibly well received in Spain and is being widely used with patients and we hope this will be the same in the UK.”

More For You

New professional liability insurance policy for RPS members launched

The insurance will be provided to members at cost, with no profit made by RPS.

gettyimages

RPS launches professional liability insurance for members

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new professional liability insurance policy, designed to empower pharmacists to work confidently and deliver high-quality care, knowing they are protected.

Exclusively available to its members, the comprehensive and affordable insurance has been developed in collaboration with global professional services firm Aon.

Keep ReadingShow less
Scottish community pharmacist working in high street pharmacy with supportive environment

The PDA wants investment to reach those who deliver services to patients every day

Pic credit: iStock

Funding boost in Scotland “needs to work for not just pharmacy owners but pharmacists too”, says PDA

An increase in funding for community pharmacies in Scotland needs to lead to a greater focus on supporting pharmacists rather than “simply sustain business models”, according to the Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA).

Earlier this week, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) accepted the Scottish government’s initial financial offer for the 2025/26 fiscal year, securing a guaranteed minimum reimbursement of £120 million for community pharmacies — up from £110 million from 2024/25.

Keep ReadingShow less
GP surgery upgrades for annual appointments

The surgeries will have additional space to “see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care”

Pic credit: iStock

GP surgery upgrades to create 8.3 million more annual appointments

Over 1,000 GP surgeries will have their premises modernised to meet the needs of a further 8.3 million appointments each year, the government has announced.

Backed by a cash injection of over £102 million, the surgeries will have additional space to “see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wales boosts funding for pharmacy-led UTI and sore throat test services

The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service will be widely available

Pic credit: istock

Welsh pharmacies receive funding boost for clinical services

Two key clinical services will be available in 99 per cent of community pharmacies across Wales after a boost in funding.

The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service and the urinary tract infection (UTI) service have both benefitted from contractual negotiations between the Welsh Government and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW).

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Bennett
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Pharmacists need to take advantage of independent prescribing pathways, says Bennett

Independent prescribing will be a “significant point” in the history of community pharmacy, according to Royal Pharmaceutical Society chief executive Paul Bennett.

Last month, the RPS announced the launch of a comprehensive new prescribing development programme to support pharmacists across all stages of their prescribing careers.

Keep ReadingShow less