The estimated total global cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is now more than $248 billion annually, according to researchers.
Swedish researchers reported their findings over the weekend during the annual International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, in Madrid, Spain. They based their estimate on the estimated costs of informal and indirect care for nearly 28 million with Alzheimer’s and dementia worldwide. Informal care refers to patient care provided at no cost, usually by family members and friends. Direct care refers to paid professional healthcare services.
The estimates indicate great challenges for both families and our national healthcare systems, said William Thies, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations, in a prepared statement.
