Dinesh Pal Mudaranthakam, Lauren Yoksh, Allison Makovec, Isuru Ratnayake, Sam Pepper, Tina Lewandowski, Eric D Vidoni, Jeffrey M Burns
Financial toxicity affected 50.6% of caregivers. After adjusting for caregiver age and household income, higher caregiver burden was associated with greater financial toxicity (OR = 1.12), while older age was associated with lower odds of financial toxicity (OR = 0.93), and low household income was associated with greater financial toxicity compared with high income households (OR = 7.63).
INTRODUCTION: Financial toxicity is an underrecognized but significant burden among caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The interaction between economic hardship, caregiver burden, and social determinants of health (SDOH) remains poorly defined.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 79 ADRD caregivers recruited through the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Participants completed the COST measure, Zarit Burden, Resource Utilization in dementia questionnaire, and an SDOH assessment. The primary outcome was moderate-to-severe financial toxicity (COST ≤26).
RESULTS: Financial toxicity affected 50.6% of caregivers. After adjusting for caregiver age and household income, higher caregiver burden was associated with greater financial toxicity (OR = 1.12), while older age was associated with lower odds of financial toxicity (OR = 0.93), and low household income was associated with greater financial toxicity compared with high income households (OR = 7.63).
DISCUSSION: Financial toxicity is common among ADRD caregivers and closely linked to burden and socioeconomic disadvantages, underscoring the need for policy and support interventions.