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The incremental direct costs associated with behavioral symptoms in AD
D L Murman1, Q Chen, M C Powell
1Department of Neurology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA. murman@msu.edu
Neurology
|December 11, 2002
Summary
Behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients significantly increase care costs. Addressing these symptoms can reduce the financial burden on caregivers and healthcare systems.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Health Economics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common in AD patients.
- BPSD contribute significantly to the care burden and costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incremental direct costs associated with behavioral symptoms in patients with probable AD.
- To analyze the relationship between the severity of behavioral symptoms and healthcare utilization and costs.
Main Methods:
- 128 patients with probable AD were assessed for cognitive function and extrapyramidal features.
- Caregivers were interviewed to collect data on healthcare services, unpaid care, symptom severity (Neuropsychiatric Inventory [NPI]), and comorbidities.
- Direct formal and informal costs were calculated, and regression analysis estimated annual incremental costs.
Main Results:
- Patients with higher NPI scores (indicating more severe behavioral symptoms) had significantly higher annual direct costs.
- Formal costs were US$3,162–US$5,919 higher, and total direct costs were US$10,670–US$16,141 higher for the high NPI group.
- A one-point increase in NPI score correlated with an annual cost increase of US$247–US$409.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral symptoms in AD patients substantially increase the direct costs of care.
- Managing BPSD is crucial for reducing the economic impact on families and healthcare systems.