To explore cognitive function across multiple cognitive domains (CD) in PwPD and identify differences and reported employment status PwPD.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder characterized by motor impairments. Cognitive impairment (CI) can also develop independently of motor issues, creating “invisible” disabilities. Remaining employed in aging PwPD requires both motor and cognitive capacity, and retirement may not be an option for some PwPD. To explore underlying cognitive factors that might differentiate PwPD who remain employed and those who do not, assessment of cognitive function might provide critical patient centric information regarding these decisions. Computerized cognitive testing (CCT) can monitor cognitive changes and identify CI, enhancing routine exams.

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of CD scores was performed in PwPD who completed a standardized validated CCT and PRO. NeuroTrax is a CCT that quantifies cognition into 7 CDs. Two-sample t-Test assuming unequal variances was conducted to determine the significance between the CDs of PwPD who were and were not employed at the time of testing.

255 PwPD (average age 72 ± 9 years; 41.6% female) were included. The t-Test (p < 0.05) comparing the CD scores of employed and unemployed PwPD (self-reported, regardless of whether they retired by choice or due to disability) revealed varying levels of significance across CD scores. Statistically significant differences were identified in CD of executive function (p=0.020413), verbal function (p=0.003054), attention (p=0.037608), information processing speed (p=0.031555), and motor skills (p=0.003551). No significant difference was calculated for the cognitive domains of memory (p=0.285257) and visual-spatial (p=0.051021).

Chronic illnesses such as PD can impact employment and earning status. Improved clinician awareness of such invisible problems in PwPD can provide opportunities for earlier intervention to avoid adverse outcomes and improve QoL.  Phenotyping cognitive trajectories in PwPD can provide additional insight into treatment needs.