[Economic impact of cognitive impairment and dementia]

Increased life expectancy has had a corresponding socioeconomic impact due to the ageing population and, among other issues, has increased the incidence of diseases related to cognitive impairment, such as dementia. These changes particularly affect the most developed countries. Any analysis of economic costs aiming to study patients with health problems related to cognitive impairment or dementia should consider the reality of the distinct phases of these disorders and should be conducted from the perspective of the payer, that is, the publicly-funded healthcare system. Moreover, given the complexity and importance of cognitive impairment, there is a need to consider both direct healthcare costs, such as hospitalization measures, medication for the treatment of these diseases, specialist consultations, transport (eg, ambulances in severe cases), and direct non-healthcare costs (eg, professional care, nonprofessional care). In addition, indirect costs (related to productivity losses such as sick leave) must be considered for these diseases. Lastly, in 2014, the annual total mean cost (direct and indirect costs) in Spain for each patient with cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer disease, was around €30 000. A large part of this economic burden was due especially to indirect costs, which are usually a borne by affected individuals and their families.