Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease step down from their jobs approximately five years post-diagnosis
A Europe-wide study, conducted by Oxford Brookes University and the European Parkinson Therapy Centre, has shed light on the factors that contribute to people with Parkinson's leaving work early.
The research project, which spanned over seven months, found that the worsening of physical symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulties performing daily activities, and the impact of non-motor symptoms like depression and cognitive challenges are the primary reasons for early departure from work.
More specifically, symptoms like motor impairments (tremors, stiffness, slowed movement), loss of muscle strength, and associated conditions like depression and fatigue create barriers to sustaining employment. The study emphasizes that these issues impact functional ability and quality of life, which in turn prompts early retirement or work cessation.
The study also explored the role that earlier diagnosis can play in keeping people with Parkinson's working for longer. However, the researchers found that early treatment of Parkinson's had no overall effect on how soon participants lost paid employment.
The survey, which invited people with Parkinson's to complete a short online questionnaire on working life and employment around diagnosis, found that on average, people living with Parkinson's leave work five years after diagnosis. Two-thirds of the participants who left work indicated a desire to continue working.
Interestingly, the study found that men tended to stay in work for longer than women, and those with a higher education level tended to stay in work for longer than those without.
Annette Cockroft, a Master's student at Oxford Brookes, worked on the study. The researchers plan to investigate the effect of early treatment on employment duration further.
The study aimed to shine a light on the challenge for people with Parkinson's who are trying to balance symptom management with maintaining their employment status. The findings underscore the need for continued research and support for those living with Parkinson's to help them manage their symptoms and maintain their employment.
[1] Oxford Brookes University and European Parkinson Therapy Centre, Study Findings (2022). [3] Oxford Brookes University and European Parkinson Therapy Centre, Research Methodology (2022).
- The study conducted by Oxford Brookes University and the European Parkinson Therapy Centre revealed that neurological disorders like Parkinson's, leading to physical symptoms such as muscle weakness and non-motor symptoms like depression, play a significant role in workplace-wellness, causing people to leave work earlier.
- The ongoing research in work Хplace-wellness, as led by Annette Cockroft at Oxford Brookes University, has established a link between medical conditions like Parkinson's, health-and-wellness, and early retirement, indicating a need for further analysis on the effects of early treatment on employment duration.
