The Societal Cost of Alzheimer's Disease depends on the Diagnosis Timing

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health issue with rising prevalence due to global aging. In France, official estimates report a societal cost of 2.3 billion euros, however likely underestimating the true economic burden. Methods: A comprehensive economic model was developed to estimate the AD's societal cost in France. The model incorporated diagnosis timings (early, average, late), disease stages (MCI, mild, severe AD), direct and indirect costs, and different payors. Results: Total annual costs ranged from 32.5B euros (late diagnosis) to 36.5B euros (early). Early diagnosis increased total costs but reduced indirect burdens on patients. Key cost included medical expenses and home-based medical-social support. Per-patient costs varied between 62,000 euros (early MCI) and 175,000 euros (late sAD). Conclusion: Earlier diagnosis increases total expenditures but improves care and cost allocation. Current and future medications focusing on the early stages of the disease, we need to invest in early diagnosis, which will reduce future expenditure.