Impact of Rivastigmine on Costs and on Time Spent in Caregiving for Families of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) places a significant burden on health care systems worldwide. As new treatments are developed, their cost-effectiveness is often assessed to help health care professionals make informed decisions. In addition to the more common practice of assessing direct medical costs, indirect costs, including time spent in caregiving, should be evaluated. Methods: This study examined the potential effects of the dual cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine (Exelon) on caregivers of patients with AD. Results from two 26-week, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated the clinically relevant and statistically significant efficacy of rivastigmine (6–12 mg/day) compared to placebo, on cognition, activities of daily living, and global functioning. By delaying progression of AD, significant savings in caregiver burden are anticipated, as measured by time spent caregiving and its related costs. Data collected in a prospective, observational study of AD patients and their caregivers were used to establish the relationship between disease severity (based on Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score) and time spent caregiving (according to the 5-item Caregivers Activity Survery score). A significant correlation was observed between the two scores (N = 43, r = −.56, p < .0001), demonstrating that more time for supervision from caregivers is required as the disease progresses. This finding was used to estimate the reduced caregiver burden resulting from the delay in disease progression that was demonstrated with use of rivastigmine. Results: Over a 2-year period, the reduction in time spent in caregiving reached 691 hours for caregivers of patients with mild AD (MMSE score 21–30), resulting in a total savings of approximately $11,253. Treatment of patients with moderately severe AD was also evaluated. The trend was similar but the impact was less, suggesting an economic benefit to early therapy. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and a pharmacologic intervention that allows the patients to remain at home longer by delaying disease progression would have a beneficial impact on patients, caregivers, and payers, and should therefore be encouraged through initiatives designed to identify and treat patients early in the course of disease.