Impact of Prolonged Lockdown due to COVID-19 in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

• Published in: Neurology India Vol. 68; no. 4; pp. 792 - 795
• Main Authors: Prasad, Shweta, Holla, Vikram, Neeraja, Koti, Surisetti, Bharath, Kamble, Nitish, Yadav, Ravi, Pal, Pramod
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.07.2020; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Betacoronavirus - pathogenicity; Care and treatment; Caregivers; Chronic diseases; Coronavirus Infections - complications; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health care industry; Hospitals - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pandemics; Parkinson Disease - complications; Parkinson Disease - virology; Parkinson's disease; Pneumonia, Viral - complications; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; SARS-CoV-2; Telemedicine; COVID-19; lockdown; Coronavirus; Parkinson's diseaseKey Messages: Prolonged lockdown due to COVID-19 has had a detrimental effect on patients with Parkinson's disease. Patients reported difficulties due to an inability to access health care; and difficulty procuring medication. Significant worsening of motor symptoms was reported by patients and their caregivers. Telemedicine services may prove to be highly beneficial to address minor issues and prevent significant problems; Parkinson's disease
• ISSN: 0028-3886; 1998-4022
• DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.293472

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled countries to impose lockdowns to curb the spread. As a result of the lockdown and need for health care services to cater to acute diseases on priority, patients with chronic illnesses such as Parkinson's disease (PD) may be facing several difficulties. Aims: This study aimed to explore the effects of prolongation of lockdown on patients with PD by evaluating possible problems faced during a lockdown and worsening of symptoms if any. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients with PD and their caregivers were contacted. Results: We observed a significant increase in problems faced due to this pandemic, specifically, the inability to access health care, and difficulty procuring medication. Patients also reported worsening of motor symptoms. Conclusions: The present findings highlight the need for health care systems to consider a plan of action for chronic neurological diseases like PD, which are worsening in the absence of regular hospital visits.