The formal care costs of dementia: a longitudinal study using Swedish register data.

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the excess costs of dementia from healthcare, social care services, and prescription drugs 3 years before to 6 years after diagnosis. Further, sociodemographic cost differences are explored.

METHODS

Using Swedish register data from 2013 to 2016 to compare individuals diagnosed with dementia (n = 15,339) with population controls, the excess formal care costs for people with a dementia diagnosis are obtained with longitudinal regression analysis.

RESULTS

People with dementia incur higher formal care costs for all years studied compared to people without dementia. The excess costs vary from €3400 3 years before diagnosis to €49,700 6 years after diagnosis. The costs are mainly driven by institutional care, and solitary living is a strong predictor of high excess costs.

CONCLUSION

The results show that the formal care costs of individuals with dementia are substantial, and that the economic burden of dementia in Sweden is larger than previously estimated.