Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Pharmacological Therapy in Alzheimer Disease in Brazil

Abstract

Objectives

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a worsening neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 70% of cases. It contributes significantly to disability, caregiver reliance, and is the eighth leading cause of death. AD is one of the most expensive diseases to treat, creating an economic burden for the healthcare system and families of patients. Dementia care costs in Brazil are projected to reach $49.2 billion by 2030, $63.5 billion by 2040, and $77.3 billion by 2050. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (standard of care [SoC]) in slowing disease progression compared with no pharmacological therapy (best supportive care [BSC]), lecanemab, and donanemab in mild AD patients.

Methods

We developed a decision-analytic model to simulate AD progression, using cost and health utility data specific to Brazil, supplemented with data from the literature when necessary. The model covers a 20-year horizon from both the Brazilian national healthcare system and societal perspectives. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 3.5% per year to reflect their present value. Costs in local currencies were converted to US dollars (US$) and inflation-adjusted to 2024 values.

Results

In the base-case analysis from the healthcare perspective, SoC was more clinically effective than BSC with a cost per QALY of $5211. For lecanemab versus SoC, the cost per QALY gained was $2 098 225, whereas donanemab versus lecanemab was $1 460 400.

Conclusions

The SoC is a cost-effective pharmacological intervention for AD, offering the lowest cost per QALY gains over a 20-year period.