For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, the timing of treatment could make a substantial difference—not only to how long they live independently, but also to the financial and emotional burden on families and society. New research from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics suggests that starting treatment earlier could significantly increase its long-term benefits.

The study examined donanemab, marketed as Kisunla, a newer Alzheimer’s treatment designed to target amyloid plaques in the brain and slow cognitive decline. Although such treatments offer new hope, their use remains limited by high costs, insurance coverage restrictions and difficulties identifying eligible patients early enough.

Researchers found that donanemab could extend life expectancy, reduce time spent with severe dementia and help patients remain independent longer. Their modelling estimated that treatment could generate $104,900 in lifetime societal benefits per patient. Starting treatment two years earlier increased that value by 32% to $138,300, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention.

“New therapies and diagnostic tools are making it possible to alter the course of Alzheimer’s disease, but they come with considerable costs,” said lead author Jack Chapel, a USC Schaeffer scholar and assistant research professor at the USC Price School of Public Policy. He said investing in early detection could help patients receive treatment when it offers the greatest benefits.

The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, come as the economic burden of dementia continues to grow. Alzheimer’s and related dementias are expected to cost the United States $818 billion in 2026. Yet diagnosis typically occurs 3.5 years after symptoms first appear. Emerging blood-based tests and digital cognitive assessments could help close that gap.

Using a simulation model informed by clinical trial results and national health data, researchers projected the lifetime effects of treatment. Patients receiving donanemab were estimated to live approximately 0.3 years longer, spend one year less with severe dementia and gain additional time living in their communities. The projected benefits included improved quality of life, reduced unpaid caregiving and lower medical expenses, particularly for Medicaid.

The researchers also examined how future therapies might deliver even greater benefits. A hypothetical treatment slowing Alzheimer’s progression by 50% could generate between $208,700 and $276,700 in lifetime societal value per patient. A treatment capable of completely halting progression could raise that value to between $530,000 and $648,300. However, the estimates exclude treatment, screening and monitoring costs, while uncertainty remains about how long current therapies remain effective.

“As therapies and diagnostic tools continue to improve, the case for finding and treating people sooner only gets stronger,” Chapel said. With more than 150 potential Alzheimer’s drugs undergoing clinical testing, the findings suggest that earlier diagnosis could become increasingly important in improving patients’ lives while easing the growing economic burden of dementia.

More information: Jack M. Chapel et al, The value of timely treatment with anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.71819

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by University of Southern California