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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

Cognitive functioning as a predictor of employment status in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 2-year longitudinal study

Authors: Dennis A.M. van Gorp, Karin van der Hiele, Marco A.P. Heerings, Peter J. Jongen, Jac J.L. van der Klink, Michiel F. Reneman, Edo P.J. Arnoldus, Ernesto A.C. Beenakker, Jeroen J.J. van Eijk, Stephan T.F.M. Frequin, Koen de Gans, Elske Hoitsma, Jop P. Mostert, Wim I.M. Verhagen, Désirée Zemel, Leo H. Visser, Huub A.M. Middelkoop

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 12/2019

Abstract

Background

Cognitive functioning has been linked to employment outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies are however lacking and previous studies did not extensively examine executive functioning.

Objectives

We examined whether baseline cognitive functioning predicts a change in employment status after 2 years, while taking into account mood, fatigue and disability level.

Methods

A total of 124 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (pwMS) and 60 healthy controls were included. They underwent neurological and neuropsychological examinations and completed online questionnaires. PwMS were divided into a stable and deteriorated employment status group (SES and DES), based on employment status 2 years after baseline. We first examined baseline differences between the SES and DES groups in cognitive functioning, mood, fatigue and disability level. A logistic regression analysis was performed, with change in employment status (SES/DES) as dependent variable.

Results

The DES group included 22% pwMS. Group differences were found in complex attention, executive functioning, self-reported cognitive functioning, fatigue and physical disability. More physical disability (OR = 1.90, p = 0.01) and lower executive functioning (OR = 0.30, p = 0.03) were retained as independent predictors of DES (R² = 0.22, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Baseline physical disability and executive functioning, but none of the other variables, moderately predicted a deterioration in employment status 2 years later.

Trial registration

This observational study is registered under NL43098.008.12: ‘Voorspellers van arbeidsparticipatie bij mensen met relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerose’. This study is registered at the Dutch CCMO register (https://www.toetsingonline.nl).

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Title: Cognitive functioning as a predictor of employment status in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Dennis A.M. van Gorp
Karin van der Hiele
Marco A.P. Heerings
Peter J. Jongen
Jac J.L. van der Klink
Michiel F. Reneman
Edo P.J. Arnoldus
Ernesto A.C. Beenakker
Jeroen J.J. van Eijk
Stephan T.F.M. Frequin
Koen de Gans
Elske Hoitsma
Jop P. Mostert
Wim I.M. Verhagen
Désirée Zemel
Leo H. Visser
Huub A.M. Middelkoop
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 12/2019
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-019-03999-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Cognitive functioning as a predictor of employment status in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 2-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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