The Federal Government has announced it will reduce barriers to access vital drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Federal Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, said that access to donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine will be made easier for patients of the disease from the beginning of May.

Previously, patients have had to show a minimum level of improvement in a standardised test to gain access for a new prescription.

Under the changes, patients will have access to the drug so long as their doctor or carer considers it to be an effective treatment.

“Alzheimer’s is a challenging illness to treat, and the government is committed to helping. These changes will make life a little easier for suffers and their families, and will remove administrative barriers to getting treatment,” Ms Plibersek said.

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said this built on the Federal Government's work to make dementia a national health priority.

''By 2050 around 900,000 Australians are expected to have dementia, more than half of whom will have Alzheimer’s disease, so ensuring the best possible access to treatment and support is critical for the nation,'' Mr Butler said.

''We're investing $268 million to better support people in aged care and that work has been recognised with Australia winning the Alzheimer’s Disease International Award. Today's announcement builds on that important work.''

The Government has also announced a 40 per cent reduction in the cost of the anti-dementia drugs.