Burden of disease of Alzheimer disease in Italy: a real-world data analysis

Background: Alzheimer Disease (AD) represents a growing global health concern with profound socioeconomic implications, with predictions indicating a potential 50% increase in AD cases in Italy over the next 30 years. Timely diagnosis remains challenging due to the slow progression of symptoms and limited accessibility to advanced diagnostic tools, yet it remains one of the few tools available to prevent and alter the clinical course of the disease. The aim of this study is to build a cost-of-illness model to estimate the number of AD patients managed by the National Health Service, analyzing their use of hospital care, and estimating the social costs through real-world data. Methods: The analysis encompassed a multifaceted approach, combining real-world data analysis from different sources for the period 2014–2019. Health direct costs related to AD in Italy were estimated thanks to the Italian database of all hospital discharges and a Local Health Unit database (400,000 residents) collecting all information on resource consumption related to AD. The National Social Security System database was used to estimate social security costs (disability compensations) related to Attendance Allowance (AA) recognitions. Results: In Italy a prevalence of 413,715 AD patients was estimated, with annual health direct costs per patient equal to €3,779. Annual social security costs related to AA recognitions amounted to 240 million euros. Overall, the analysis estimated an annual total cost exceeding 1.8 billion euros. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted burden of AD in Italy, shedding light on its economic dimensions. The results underscore the urgency of prioritizing AD on political agendas, especially in the face of the projected global surge in AD cases. The study advocates for proactive policy interventions and informed healthcare decision-making to address the complex challenges posed by AD.