Key result
Parkinson's disease linked to ~34% of patients losing paid work.
Why the study?
Lost employment potential and factors affecting work retention in people with Parkinson’s disease across Europe were not well characterized, especially considering age at diagnosis.
Cross-Sectional (n=560)
Yes
A Parkinson's disease diagnosis leads to significant lost employment potential and income reduction, highlighting the need for early interventions and workplace adaptations to support remaining in work.
PD diagnosis was associated with substantial employment loss; supports exploration of vocational interventions but remains hypothesis-generating.
Purpose To explore, in a European cohort of people living with Parkinson’s (PD), issues affecting employment and economic consequences, considering age at diagnosis.Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey (European convenience sample). Inclusion criteria were ≥18 years, a PD diagnosis and in work when diagnosed. Data were collected online on demographics, employment status, occupation, and perceived health. For those no longer in paid work, time from diagnosis until loss of employment, reasons for leaving and enablers to stay in work were ascertained.Results Between April and November 2019, n = 692 enrolled and n = 560 were eligible. Those who had lost paid work (n = 190, 34%) reported worse fatigue, sleep, and general health than those still in work (p < 0.05). Average annual income reduced from €26973.48 ± 12013.22 (year-1) to €14843.85 ± 16969.84 (year-10). Post-diagnosis lost employment potential was 20.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.6–23.6) years at career establishment, 9.8 (95%CI: 8.9–10.7) years at mid working and 1.2 (95%CI: 0.6–1.6) years for those nearing retirement age. A greater proportion of individuals at career establishment age reported dexterity, eating, sleep, fatigue, and anxiety as factors for leaving work (p < 0.05).Conclusions This study confirms lost productivity after a PD diagnosis, especially in those with many years of potential employment ahead. The study also identified potential targets for interventions. Clinical trial registration: Clincaltrials.gov (NCT03905954).Implications for rehabilitationPeople with Parkinson’s diagnosed at career establishment or at mid working age risk losing many years of potential employment.Most people with Parkinson’s do not receive early intervention to support self-management of problems identified with leaving work early, such as fatigue.Adaptations to the work environment and more flexible working patterns were identified factors that may help people remain in work.
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Collett et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Parkinson's disease (n=560). Parkinson's disease was evaluated on Loss of paid work. Among 560 people with Parkinson's disease, 34% lost paid work, resulting in a lost employment potential of 20.1 years (95% CI 16.6-23.6) for those diagnosed at career establishment age.
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