The Economic Burden of Alzheimer's Disease in the Elderly in Tehran City, Iran

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia causing a disruption to memory and thinking, and for its treatment, many costs are imposed on the health system and society. The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic burden of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly in Tehran City, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, we used the prevalence-based approach, bottom-up method, and social perspective to estimate the direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer in Tehran City during the years in 2016-2017. The research sample (211 patints) was selected from the Alzheimer's Association of Iran. The required information was completed through interviews with family members of the patients, and their medical files. Findings: The yearly economic burden of Alzheimer's disease was 810,391,868 United States dollar (US$). Most of the cost (52.5%) related to direct medical costs [such as outpatient expenses (3.0%), hospitalization costs (3.0%), tests and diagnostic measures (0.5%), drugs, supplies, and equipment (7%), and nursing and patient care services (39.5%)], 0.5% related to non-medical direct costs, and 47.0% to indirect costs. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most important causes of functional dependence and special care in the elderly, with many direct and indirect costs for the treatment and care of people with this condition imposed on the health system and society. To reduce the economic burden of disease on society and health systems, we recommend that disease prevention programs should be developed, and effective care should be provided in health system be the top priority, and government support should increase for poor families.