Cognitive-motor interaction: relationship with employment status in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (P13-3.015)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To evaluate the probability of being employed according to CMI performance. <h3>Background:</h3> Multiple Sclerosis(MS) cognitive symptoms can have negative effects on employment status. The identification of these factors will allow mitigating unemployment. Beyond traditional cognitive assessment, impairment in cognitive-motor interaction(CMI) tasks has been reported in persons with MS(PwMS), highlighting its impact on daily activities. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> From February 2018 to February 2020, 105 PwMS were recruited. Measuring instruments: Clinical, cognitive and employment status variables were assessed (EDSS, Fatigue severity scale, Beck Depression Inventory, vocational status monitoring tool, BICAMS battery, PASAT, verbal fluency, 7/24 test). CMI: walking while performing two different cognitive tasks: verbal fluency-counting). CMI was evaluated with Dual Task Effect(DTE) calculation ((simple task − double task)/simple task)*100). Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used, significance p &lt;0.05. To evaluate the probability of being employed, a multivariate Probit model was constructed. <h3>Results:</h3> Age: 37.58±11.13 years; Education: 13.51±3.67 years; EDSS: 2.05±1.22; MS duration: 8.51±8.29 years. 57.1% of patients were employed, 26.7% were unemployed and 16.2% belonged to the group of housewives, students and retirees. Verbal fluency and DTE were independent contributors to the probability of being employed, a statistically significant model was created (Chi2=10.37; p=.0056). When calculating the predicted probability of being employed according to the DTE score range, controlling verbal fluency, it was found that the predicted probability of being employed is 78% for a lower DTE score (range=0), and 47 % for a higher score (range=80). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> A high probability of being employed was found in patients with less cognitive-motor interference. It is important to consider the evaluation of ICM due to its implications for patients. <b>Disclosure:</b> Barbara Eizaguirre has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Sanofi Genzyme Argenina. Barbara Eizaguirre has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Roche Argentina. Barbara Eizaguirre has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Roche. Barbara Eizaguirre has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Merck. Miss Ciufia has nothing to disclose. Maria Sol Román has nothing to disclose. SIlva Berenice has nothing to disclose. Orlando Garcea has nothing to disclose. Fernando Caceres has nothing to disclose. Ricardo Alonso has nothing to disclose. Sandra Vanotti has received research support from Merck S.A.,Buenos Aires, Argentina, an affiliate Merck S.A.,Buenos Aires, Argentina, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.