The cost of dementia care in Greece: medical, social and informal care factors

Abstract

Background/Aims Dementia is a major disease worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate. This study estimated the societal cost of dementia in Greece, with the aim of helping policy makers to plan health services and evaluate their efficiency. Methods This study was conducted at a specialist neurological hospital in Greece with 110 patients with dementia and 110 caregivers. Local rates were used to determine the cost of services, medicines and staff salaries. Caregivers completed a survey reporting the time spent caring for the patient and any other expenses. Results were correlated with the three stages of disease severity (mild, moderate and severe) with a multivariate regression model. Results Informal care comprised the largest proportion of the total cost of caring for a patient with dementia. Furthermore, it was found that more severe dementia was associated with higher costs in private and public social and informal care. Conclusions Informal carers provide the majority of care for patients with dementia. More support from social care services is needed to cope with the predicted increase in dementia incidence in the near future.