Objective: To evaluate the impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) on work disability and identify clinical and demographic factors associated with occupational impairment. Additionally, this study assesses the feasibility of the Work Disability Inventory (WDI) as a standardized tool for evaluating work-related disability in PD.

Background: PD affects daily activities, including employment. While PD patients retire earlier than the general population, the contributions of motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as workplace adaptations, remain underexplored. A standardized tool to measure work disability in PD is lacking, and the WDI may offer a valuable framework for future implementation.

Method: We conducted a  cross-sectional study in 100 PD patients (age 18-70) from the Madrid Parkinson’s Association’s Young Patients Group.  Data were collected via structured questionnaires, including demographic (age, education, employment type), clinical, and work-related variables (WDI, workplace adaptations). Non-motor symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multivariate regression models.

Results: PD patients had significantly higher WDI scores compared to matched controls (mean 42.3 ± 12.1 vs. 18.7 ± 9.5, p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between WDI and NMSS scores (R = 0.56, p=0.002), indicating a strong relationship between non-motor symptom burden and work disability. In subgroup analysis, depression (β = 1.82, p=0.008) and fatigue (β = 1.45, p=0.021) were the strongest predictors of work impairment. Among motor symptoms, bradykinesia severity was associated with higher WDI scores (R = 0.48, p=0.006). Workplace adaptations, particularly flexible hours and task modifications, were associated with a 25% reduction in WDI scores (p=0.014). A multivariate regression model identified NMSS score, bradykinesia severity, and lack of workplace adaptations as independent predictors of work disability (adjusted R² = 0.61, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Non-motor symptoms, particularly depression and fatigue, play a critical role in work disability among PD patients. Workplace adaptations significantly mitigate work impairment. These findings highlight the need for early interventions and workplace modifications to support employment retention in PD patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-parkinsons-disease-on-work-disability-a-cross-sectional-study/