Consequences of Anosognosia on the Cost of Caregivers' Care in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Anosognosia is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it is frequently related to an increase in time of care demand. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of anosognosia on the total costs of informal care in patients with AD.This was a prospective longitudinal study with community-dwelling AD patients. Anosognosia, time of informal care, and the use of support services (e.g., day care centers) were recorded at baseline and after 24 months. The cost of informal caregiving was calculated as 'market price'.Anosognosia was associated with an increased number of hours of informal care, and a greater use of support services, regardless of the severity of the dementia, which lead to an increase of the total family-care costs.