Work

The cost of non-drug interventions that improve function and reduce dementia-related behaviors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To determine the net cost of non-drug interventions that maintain or improve a person with dementia’s physical function and/or reduce challenging behaviors. Cost data are needed to inform the adoption of non-drug interventions in health systems and the development of policies to incentivize their use. We modified a person-level microsimulation to model the cost of four non-drug interventions relative to usual care: Collaborative Care, Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments (COPE), Tailored Activity Program (TAP), and Skills2Care. We also conducted a value of information analysis to quantify the optimal sample size of conducting a new randomized trial that would reduce uncertainty on the cost savings of each intervention from a societal perspective. Finally, we conducted sensitivity analyses. Collaborative Care, TAP and COPE were cost savings compared to usual care (-$572, -$1,816, and -$5,262, respectively). Skills2Care results in a $89 net increase in cost compared to usual care. The value of information analysis identified the optimal sample size of a potential future study: Skills2Care (optimal n = 8,560), TAP (optimal n = 5,650), COPE (optimal n = 3,910) and Collaborative Care (optimal n = 3,630). In one-way sensitivity analyses, when we applied a pessimistic assumption for the treatment effect, COPE and TAP were still cost saving, while Collaborative Care cost more than usual care. Conclusions did not materially change in sensitivity analyses that varied treatment cost. Non-drug dementia care interventions that maintain or improve a person with dementia’s function and/or reduce challenging behaviors present a viable clinical / economic model of care for health systems. Three (Collaborative Care, Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments, and Tailored Activity Program) of four (Skills2Care) non-drug dementia interventions that maintain or improve a person with dementia’s physical function and/or reduce challenging behaviors are cost savings compared to usual care. The National Institutes of Health is investing in pragmatic trials to test the effectiveness of dementia care interventions. Using a value of information analysis, we found that large sample sizes (between 3,630 and 8,560 people) are needed to reduce uncertainty as to whether non-drug dementia care interventions are cost savings. This finding reinforces the need for pragmatic studies and also highlights the value of microsimulation methodologies. Findings demonstrate the financial benefit of selected evidence-based caregiver support programs for health systems engaged in the GUIDE model or operating in a capitated payment system.

Source: BMC Geriatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12877-025-06532-1