Introduction

The project will aim to collect existing studies and present its findings in a comparative report. Furthermore, taking into account economic differences between the various Member States of the European Union, the project will result in the publication of a report on the socio-economic impact of dementia in Europe.

Duration

The project started in January 2006 and will end in December 2008.

Partners

Work package leader:

• Anders WIMO , Karolinska Institutet

Main partner:

• Karolinska Institutet

Associated partners:

• London School of Economics
• Corvinus University
• European Health Economics
• University of Kuopio
• Alzheimer Europe

Objectives

The socio-economic cost of Alzheimer’s disease is undoubtedly great and a number of studies have been carried out in various European and other countries. Yet the methodology of these studies varies enormously, as some studies include only direct healthcare costs, whereas others take into account indirect costs as well, such as loss of employment of the main carer.

The aim of the work package would therefore be to collect existing studies, include them in a database and develop a comparative report of these studies.

On the basis of these findings, a consensus document on the socio-economic impact of dementia in the European Union will be developed.

Methodology

The work will follow the general methodology with a thorough literature search on existing socio-economic studies in dementia. The various studies will be presented in a comparative report providing an overview of their commonalities and differences.

On the basis of these findings, a draft consensus document on the socio-economic impact of dementia will be developed and sent to the membership at large of the network. The received feedback will be integrated into the final consensus document, which will be approved by the Steering Committee and then circulated for endorsement to European organisations.

Milestones

• February 2006: Finalisation of research methodology
• October 2006: Finalisation of literature search
• June 2007: Comparative report on findings
• June 2008: Report on socio-economic impact of dementia
• December 2008: Endorsement and presentation

Results

The work package will result in the publication of a comparative report on studies on the socio-economic impact of dementia, as well as a report on the socio-economic impact of dementia in the European Union. This work package will liaise closely with the work packages on prevalence rates and on social support systems.