Our model-based analysis applied principles of health economic modelling to assess the impact of slowing disease progression on the formal and informal care capacity for patients with Alzheimer's disease. By reducing the number of patients who reach more severe stages of the disease, overall patient health improves, resulting in a lower demand for care compared to untreated patients. Treatment with ATTs can reduce the maximum need for both formal and informal care by approximately 18%, and delay the point at which maximum care capacity is reached by 1.5 years.

Although patients will eventually progress to more severe stages of Alzheimer's disease, they will remain in better health for a longer period. The availability of ATTs not only benefits patients by improving their health outcomes, but also reduces the significant emotional and physical burden experienced by formal and informal caregivers.

These findings highlight the importance of continued investment in Alzheimer’s care in the Netherlands, to support patients, families, and caregivers, and to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare systems.

The expected increase in demand for formal care, both for Alzheimer’s and other conditions, calls for structural changes to the future healthcare system to ensure it remains sustainable and accessible. Interventions that slow disease progression can play a crucial role in strengthening care capacity.