Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, and a major reason for disability and death. The time course of AD varies between different people affected, and being able to tell in advance how the disease is likely to progress would have a great value for patient, their caregivers and for all of society. In the ADDITION project, we will use information from patients with AD being followed up over time to understand their experiences in terms of how symptoms change, which the care they receive and the occurrence of events that are important to patients and caregivers.

The project aims to bring new understanding of which aspects are most important to patients and caregivers to preserve and improve their autonomy, dignity and quality of life. Finally, we will develop ways of determining the value (to patients, caregivers and society) and cost-effectiveness of new treatment options and ways of organizing the care that take into account the perspective of people living with AD and their caregivers.