Sköldunger A, Johnell K, Winblad B, Wimo A.
Mortality and treatment costs have a great impact on the cost-effectiveness of disease modifying drugs in Alzheimer's disease.
Curr Alzheimer Res. 2012 Oct 2;
PubMed.
The results of a model depend, of course, on the assumptions used for the variables in the model. For example, Dr. Wimo and colleagues concluded, in another model, that treatment of dementia with an ACEI
was cost neutral. A truly successful disease-modifying treatment would allow patients to remain at home, avoiding dementia-related long-term care costs. It is true, though, that any treatment that prolongs
life among the non-productive aged does have a net cost to society. The issue is, what is the quality of life for those who are treated? Here the discussion devolves into even more speculation. We don’t have good measures of life quality among older people with memory loss.
References:
Wimo A, Gaudig M, Schäuble B, Jedenius E.
The economic impact of galantamine vs placebo: an analysis based on functional capacity in a Swedish cohort study.
J Med Econ. 2012;15(5):1019-24. Epub 2012 Apr 23
PubMed.
Comments
George Washington U Medical Ctr
The results of a model depend, of course, on the assumptions used for the variables in the model. For example, Dr. Wimo and colleagues concluded, in another model, that treatment of dementia with an ACEI
was cost neutral. A truly successful disease-modifying treatment would allow patients to remain at home, avoiding dementia-related long-term care costs. It is true, though, that any treatment that prolongs
life among the non-productive aged does have a net cost to society. The issue is, what is the quality of life for those who are treated? Here the discussion devolves into even more speculation. We don’t have good measures of life quality among older people with memory loss.
References:
Wimo A, Gaudig M, Schäuble B, Jedenius E. The economic impact of galantamine vs placebo: an analysis based on functional capacity in a Swedish cohort study. J Med Econ. 2012;15(5):1019-24. Epub 2012 Apr 23 PubMed.
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