OBJECTIVES: Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs initially the muscles of the limps and gradually progress by affecting the rest of the body (i.e. the speech, the swallowing process and the respiratory system). There is currently no effective cure for the specific disease; hence the treatment remains symptomatic and supportive. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the cost that Motor Neurone Disease entails, particularly in the case of Cyprus.

METHODS: A quantitative survey was conducted in order to identify and record the cost of services, of medical equipments and consumables, used by the Cypriot patients. The study population was comprised of 45 patients that met the participation criteria and represent a percentage of 57% of the population of the patients, according to the 2014 records of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.

RESULTS: According to the data recorded and processed, the average annual cost of Motor Neurone Disease in Cyprus was estimated at €25,942.00 per patient. This figure lies within the EU cost range, which according to the relevant literature is between €15,252.00 and €36,380.00. The highest portion of the total cost (37.8%) was attributed to private spending on the 24hour home care of the patients. The next highest portion of the total cost was attributed to private spending on health care and residential nursing (12% of the total cost). It was observed that 68% of the total cost that Motor Neurone Disease entailed was privately covered, while the remaining 32% was covered by the Government.

CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that Motor Neurone Disease significantly affects the financial situation of the patients and of their families. The costs entailed arise relatively soon and progress throughout the life of the patient; hence the Government should provide additional funding for covering such costs.