Relationship Between Cognition, Workforce Participation and Well-Being in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of reduced workforce participation due to neurological illness in Western countries. Over the past 30 years, new treatments have reduced symptom burden, allowing patients to stay in the workforce longer. However, fatigue and cognitive impairments remain major barriers to work capacity. This project aims to examine factors important for work ability and well-being in persons with MS and cognitive impairments. The specific research questions are:

1. How do job type and opportunities for workplace adaptations influence work ability and well-being in individuals with MS and cognitive impairments? 2. What are the associations between cognitive function in MS and work ability as well as well-being? The investigators plan to collect data on patients with MS who have undergone a neuropsychological assessment at the neurology clinic in Region Gävleborg over a five year period. Approximately 100 patients are eligible for participation. Data will be collected through surveys and by extracting information from medical records. The surveys include questions related to well-being and work ability. Data from medical records contain data from the neuropsychological assessment, other rehabilitation interventions as well as data related to treatment and progress of MS.

The findings from the study aim to enhance work-oriented rehabilitation and provide a deeper understanding of how to support individuals with MS in maintaining employment and overall well-being