Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and yet the consequences for sufferers, in particular on their professional life, are hardly discussed in public life. This article aims to draw attention to a topic that has received far too little attention and therefore discusses the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and employment. The various sections first explain PD itself, then relate the disease to the ability to work, followed by highlighting the enormous socioeconomic and psychological consequences for patients, and finally discuss an outlook focusing on possible improvements to the current situation. This text will clarify that people with PD face severe socioeconomic and psychological burdens and need societal support to minimize them. So why is it of interest that you as a reader know about it? Well, because everyone is individually in a position to improve the situation for the people affected. 

​Lessons for Practice:

• As Parkinson's patients are even more disturbed by others' perceptions of the symptoms than by the symptoms itself, each individual can try to make a Parkinson's patient feel comfortable in a professional environment to reduce the psychological pressure on the patient.  
  
  
• As an employer, offer your support and try to create a work environment where people with Parkinson's can feel comfortable and reach their full potential. 
  
  

• Parkinson's patients are impaired in many ways, both psychologically and physically, in the way they can do their work, but despite all this, this problem is communicated far too little in society. Therefore, try to discuss this issue with your friends and family to raise social awareness.  
  
  

​Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, employability, chronic illness

Citation: Vorbau, D. (2022). Parkinson's Disease and Employment. Public Note, 9 (38-40)

David Vorbau

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