Dementia has emerged as the most expensive group of non-communicable diseases in Switzerland, with total annual costs estimated at 11.8 billion Swiss francs, according to interim results from an ongoing study by Alzheimer Switzerland and the ZHAW Medinside. While public attention often focuses on conditions like cancer, the financial burden of dementia is heavily driven by care costs that are not adequately reimbursed.
Hans Stöckli, central president of Alzheimer Switzerland, noted that while medical care is covered, daily support and supervision are not sufficiently paid for, leaving patients and their families to shoulder nearly half of the total costs. Around 160,000 people in Switzerland live with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Funding Gaps and Rising Expenses
The high financial toll stems primarily from the round-the-clock supervision many dementia patients require. Although clinical treatments and medications often dominate cost discussions, the unremunerated care burden pushes neurological conditions above other major diseases in total economic impact. A comprehensive update to the 2019 dementia cost study, conducted alongside the ZHAW, is expected to be released in March 2027.
The Question of New Medications
Financial pressures may grow further with the introduction of new treatments, such as the Alzheimer’s drug donanemab from Eli Lilly, which received approval from Swissmedic in February. Insurers currently require a case-by-case review for coverage while the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) determines pricing and eventual inclusion on the specialty list, though some insurers already cover it.
Despite high expectations, treatment eligibility remains limited. Donanemab is restricted to Alzheimer’s dementia in early stages and carries strict exclusion criteria due to severe side effects linked to specific genetic constellations. Consequently, the therapy is estimated to be suitable for only 8 to 10 percent of Alzheimer’s patients, presenting a significant communication challenge for organizations managing public hopes.
Leadership and Background
Hans Stöckli, born in 1952, served as the mayor of Biel from 1990 to 2010. The Social Democratic politician and jurist subsequently served as a member of the National Council from 2004 to 2011 and as a member of the Council of States for the canton of Bern from 2011 to 2023, presiding over the Council of States in the 2019 to 2020 term. During his parliamentary tenure, he focused on health policy, founded the parliamentary group for non-communicable diseases to strengthen prevention and health promotion politically, and initiated the successful Smoke-free children
popular initiative. He has served as central president of Alzheimer Switzerland since June 2024.
