The excess health care costs for spouses of people living with dementia: A longitudinal study using Swedish register data

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study aims to examine the health consequences of being a spouse of a person with dementia (PwD), by estimating the spouse's excess health care costs before, during, and after diagnosis in the Skåne Region in Sweden. METHODS A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the effect of being a spouse of a PwD by analyzing their health care costs and utilization from 10 years before the diagnosis of the PwD and up to 6 years after. RESULTS The results show higher health care costs for spouses of PwDs after diagnosis, as well as a higher likelihood of utilization of health care. DISCUSSION The results indicate a negative health effect for spouses of PwDs after diagnosis, which suggests a need for further support for spouses, especially around the time of diagnosis. Highlights Results estimate excess health care costs for spouses of people with dementia (PwDs). Estimated higher costs from the time around diagnosis and subsequently. Excess health care costs in primary, outpatient, and inpatient care. Results estimate a higher likelihood of utilization of health care for spouses of PwDs. Excess health care costs indicate a negative health impact for spouses of PwDs.