Cost-Effectiveness of Early Alzheimer’s Disease Detection
Author Information
Author(s): Jung Yeongin, Wu Kaili, Alnufeay Mashael, Jin Xiaotong, Ballreich Jeromie, Drabo Emmanuel
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of two AD early detection strategies for individuals aged 65 and above showing early-stage neuropathological abnormalities.
Conclusion
The study found that using blood biomarker testing alone is more cost-effective than a sequential approach involving a PET scan.
Supporting Evidence
- The study evaluated two early screening methods for Alzheimer's disease.
- Strategy 1 produced 891 incremental QALYs at an additional cost of $49.2 million.
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $55,194 per QALY gained.
- The findings were robust to uncertainties in model input parameters.
Takeaway
This study shows that testing for Alzheimer's disease using a blood test is cheaper and better than using a blood test followed by a brain scan.
Methodology
The study used a hybrid model combining a decision tree and a Markov model to simulate screening decisions and outcomes over 35 years.
Participant Demographics
Older adults in the US aged 65 and above with early-stage brain abnormalities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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