Analysis of Structure and Cost in a Longitudinal Study of Alzheimer’s Disease

Objective: The purpose of this analysis is to understand the structure as well as both the amount and velocity of change in costs for an existing, established “longitudinal study” of Alzheimer’s disease with fixed enrollment. A longitudinal study is useful with respect to chronic medical conditions because of the ability to study the same affected population(s) over time. Methods: The examination begins with a discussion of the design of the consortium-based study and the types of data collected by the researchers (a “consortium-based” study involves numerous institutions). Financial statements (2005 to 2017) are analyzed and forward projections are confirmed using linear regression. Funding is broken down by institution, with looks at per patient and personnel costs. Results: The rate of change for the costs is highly variable but correlated between institutions. Personnel costs are a critical driving factor. Per patient costs are noted to vary significantly between research institutions. The experiment in question will not be able to continue in its present form unless costs are brought to equilibrium with available funding. Sources of funding will need to consider opportunity costs, growth rates, and concurrent obligations as they evaluate projects.  Conclusion: The longitudinal study is currently the most effective study design for progressive diseases. Funding for research does not align with the demonstrated need.