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The contribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms to the cost of dementia care
Author(s) -
Herrmann Nathan,
Lanctôt Krista L.,
Sambrook Robert,
Lesnikova Nadia,
Hébert Réjean,
McCracken Peter,
Robillard Alain,
Nguyen Elizabeth
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.1594
Subject(s) - dementia , psychological intervention , indirect costs , medicine , total cost , psychiatry , gerontology , severe dementia , disease , business , accounting , pathology
Objective To estimate the contribution of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) to the costs of care. Method A one‐year prospective study of resource utilization recorded monthly by 500 caregivers of community dwelling patients with dementia. The effect of behavior on total, direct and indirect costs of care was examined. Results The total cost of care was $1,298 per month and there was a significant independent relationship between costs and BPSD. The incremental cost of a one point increase in Neuropsychiatric Inventory score was $30 per month (95% CI: $19–$41). Conclusion BPSD contribute significantly to the overall costs of dementia care. Interventions targeted at BPSD may help to reduce the staggering societal costs of this illness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.