Cost-benefit evaluation of drug treatment for Alzheimerʹs disease

Summary background of an ongoing discussion on the cost-benefit relation of nootropic drugs, the whole scope and the dimensions of the problem have to be considered. This will be done with a short view on diagnostics as a prerequisit of proper treatment. Then a comprehensive treatment program has to be outlined demonstrating that drug therapy can be only one factor in alleviating the burden of patients and their families. Against that background the results of a few types of experimental, “quasi” experimental and theoretical studies will be reported which give some evidence that drug induced improvement is economically effective. The main outcome criteria which should be used are: Slowing of progression of dementia process, avoidance or postponing of longterm institutionalization, alleviation of the burden, and the amount of needed support by caregivers.