A cost-benefit analysis of beta-blockers, including the benefits of reducing the symptoms of dementia

Robert J. Brent

Applied Economics, 2025, vol. 57, issue 11, 1183-1195

Abstract: Hypertension and vascular dementia are both widely prevalent in older adults. Anything that reduces hypertension, such as beta-blockers (BB), could be expected to also reduce dementia symptoms. We carry out a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of BBs to see whether they are a socially worthwhile dementia intervention. Changes in mortality is the outcome measure for our evaluation of BBs. These effects are then monetarized using the value of a statistical life to form the benefits. Apart from their impact on dementia, we also test whether BBs have any side effects on mortality. Our mortality and dementia estimates use fixed and random effects models based on a large national panel data set. We found that BBs do reduce dementia symptoms and lower mortality in this way. However, the BBs had such adverse effects on mortality that the overall CBA net-benefits became very negative.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2024.2311078

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