PROTESTORS marched through Southampton city centre today to stand up for dementia sufferers.

About 120 campaigners - almost every one affected by the condition - braved the wet and windy weather to join the rally. It was one of more than 30 that took place up and down the country.

They were protesting against the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommendation to refuse drugs on the NHS to patients in the early and late stages of Alzheimer's. They want the Department of Health to overturn this.

Brandishing placards stating "Remember those who forget" and "Hands off our dementia drugs", protestors made their way from Guildhall Square to the Bargate, stopping halfway and attracting shoppers' attention with chants.

Saints legend Lawrie McMenemy, a long-standing supporter of the Alzheimer's Society, joined in.

He told the Daily Echo: "Alzheimer's is a disease that can affect anyone, no matter what their background.

"I personally think the recommendations from NICE are a disgrace. The drugs cost £2.50 per person per day and there is all this fundraising for Children in Need and the National Lottery. We look after other people like immigrants when we should look after ourselves and our own people.

"It's tragic when a couple have been together for years and suddenly one of them finds they do not even recognise the person they have lived with all that time.

"It's a total disgrace. I would prefer to call them Not So NICE."