Economic evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts, shortens life expectancy, and reduces quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) in dementia provide health gains. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a cost-utility study of NPIs in AD, assessing both the costs and health gains associated with cognitive stimulation interventions in AD patients. METHODS: A sample of 40 patients undergoing NPIs and another 40 individuals (control group) were included. Data collected included sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, and functional information, as well as health status, quality of life, and outpatient costs. RESULTS: The NPI, considering the discounted cost value of €21,621.31 and the discounted quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain of 0.81333, resulted in an estimated cost per QALY of €26,583.76. This cost per QALY is within the threshold generally considered acceptable by regulatory authorities in Portugal and in several European countries. CONCLUSION: This study supports the recommendation that interventions adjusted to the needs of patients with AD should be implemented, which may include NPIs providing both health gains and economic value.