Hope In The Dark: Value In Alzheimer's Disease Research And Treatment

By Rob Abbott, CEO & Executive Director, ISPOR

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating condition that progressively erodes memory and profoundly impacts families, often "robbing" them of loved ones long before physical death. The emotional toll is significant, as exemplified by the experience of a father no longer recognizing his wife after nearly 50 years of marriage.

AD represents a significant global health concern, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. Close to 90 million individuals are living with "early AD," and an additional 30 million are grappling with mild, moderate, or severe forms of the disease. The global prevalence of dementia, with AD accounting for 60% to 80% of cases, is projected to triple by 2050, primarily due to an aging global population. In the United States, one in nine Americans aged 65 and older has AD. By 2030, with 20% of the U.S. population expected to be 65 years or older, the number of Americans affected by this fatal form of dementia could substantially increase.

Against this backdrop, the editorial focus of Value and Outcomes Spotlight on health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and its contribution to AD research and treatment is particularly relevant. The articles in this issue are noteworthy for their focus on demonstrating the value of AD research and treatment. This necessitates incorporating the patient and caregiver perspective to enhance the collective understanding of how these individuals perceive value.