ECONOMIC RESEARCH ON ALZHEIMER-DISEASE - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The present review discusses the economic research to date on Alzheime r disease (AD). It focuses on estimates of the costs of AD and on econ omic evaluations of interventions in the disease. Empirical and concep tual issues concerning the interpretation of costs and the uses of eva luative methodologies also are discussed. We conclude that estimates o f the national costs of AD are open to a large margin of uncertainty. We conclude further that significant opportunities exist for new cost- effectiveness or cost-benefit analyses of AD treatments, patient care options, and counselling, respite, or similar programs for AD caregive rs.