Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Initiative - Information for Individuals and Caregivers

British Columbia is now providing PharmaCare coverage of donepezil (Aricept®), galantamine (Reminyl®) and rivastigmine (Exelon®) through the Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Initiative.

These drugs do not cure Alzheimer’s disease but may slow its progression in some people diagnosed in the mild to moderate stages of the disease.

Although this treatment is not appropriate for everyone, determining whether it is right for you requires an assessment by your physician. Your physician can determine through a series of questions if you are eligible to participate in the initiative.

If you already take one of these drugs and your doctor confirms that you meet the eligibility criteria, your PharmaCare coverage will begin as soon as Special Authority approval is granted, subject to your PharmaCare plan rules and deductible.

If you are approved for PharmaCare coverage, you will need to be reassessed by your doctor every 6 months to make sure the medication is still working for you. It is important to make a follow-up appointment no less than 2 weeks before your existing Special Authority approval ends to avoid any break in coverage.

Please click here to view Frequently Asked Questions about the Initiative.

Research

B.C.’s leading experts in the fields of dementia and aging are conducting the research associated with the Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Initiative. The results of their research will provide PharmaCare with the information it needs to make decisions that support British Columbians affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Some of the research involves interviews with individuals, families and caregivers. For an overview of this research and information on how you can participate, please click here.

General Contact Information for Alzheimer's Disease

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. (ASBC) is your best source of information and support. Please contact their Dementia Hotline toll-free at 1 800 936-6033 or, if you are calling from the Lower Mainland, 604 681-8651. The ASBC website also provides valuable information for individuals and caregivers to help manage this disease (see links below).

Dementia Journey:

This website is designed to link you to helpful resources and information about dementia.

www.dementiajourney.ca

ASBC Programs and Services:

Dementia Helpline:

www.alzheimerbc.org/information_referral.php

Education programs:

The Dementia Series: caregivers, people with dementia, organizations/the public
Shaping the Journey: for people with early stage dementia
Making the Connection: for Residential Care Workers

www.alzheimerbc.org/support.php

Support Groups:

caregivers
people in the early stages of dementia

www.alzheimerbc.org/supportgroups.php

Information Services - web/print:

Newsletters:

In Touch - for caregivers www.alzheimerbc.org/intouch.php
Insight - for and by people with dementia www.alzheimerbc.org/insight.php

Your PharmaCare Coverage:

If you are covered under Fair PharmaCare, please read the information about your deductible and family maximum.
Are you living at a residential care facility? Read about PharmaCare Plan B.
Are you are receiving B.C. Income Assistance? Read about PharmaCare Plan C.