Economic burden of dementia studies in low‐ and middle‐ income countries (LMICs): A systematic review

Abstract Background More than two thirds of people with dementia are living in the low‐ and middle‐ income countries (LMICs). The growing prevalence will result significant economic burden these countries. This systematic review aimed to summarise evidence on LMICs. Method Seven databases (EconLit, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Review (DARE), ERIC, PsycINFO CINAHL) were searched from inception September 2020 for original research articles reporting or cost illness all‐cause and/or its subtypes e.g., Alzheimer’s disease (AD), any LMICs as defined by World Bank. Two independent reviewers assessed studies eligibility. Data location, study characteristics, estimation methods estimated costs extracted. national level total, direct indirect inflated 2019, expressed a percentage each country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) summarised using mean GDP. Study quality was Larg Moss method. Result literature search identified 14092 articles, which 22 met eligibility criteria. reported 64% (from 120 countries). remaining only patient cost. Majority had low risk bias. average proportion GDP 0.42%. Informal care accounted 62% total dementia, while 38% due Conclusion Dementia is major cause Cost informal contributor this LMIC has doubled since first Alzheimer Report 2015 (0.2% GDP). Acknowledgement: funded National Institute Health Research (NIHR) (16/137/62 ‐ Prevention Enhanced Care (DePEC), Newcastle University, United Kingdom), UK aid Government support global health research. views publication those author(s) not necessarily NIHR Department Social Care.