Abstract:

Aims: Viral infections have been implicated in the development of Parkinson disease (PD). It has been observed that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in dopaminergic cells can expedite the degeneration process and potentially exacerbate symptoms. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with PD. Methods: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The severity of the disease was assessed using the using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), while the stage of the disease was determined using modified Hoehn &Yahr Rating Scale (m HYRS). Various measures were taken to evaluate the patients’ well-being, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39), and Impact of Events Scale (IES-R) scores. The researchers also recorded the UPDRS scores, levodopa equivalent doses (LED), and BMI of the patients before and after the lockdown period. Subsequently, the collected data were compared to identify any significant changes. Results: The difference in UPDRS, LED and BMI of the patients before and after the lockdown was statistically significant (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in UPDRS motor score, BAI, and PDQ-39 values among female patients compared to male patients (p<0.05). Comparing patients with and without COVID-19 infection, it was observed that patients who had contracted COVID-19 demonstrated a statistically significant increase in m HYRS and UPDRS motor scores, and PDQ-39 values after the lockdown (p<0.05). To assess the impact of various factors on the quality of life, multiple linear regression analysis was performed. The analysis revealed that COVID-19-positive patients and female patients experienced a more pronounced effect on their quality of life (p<0.05). Moreover, quality of life was found to be affected by disease stage, depression, anxiety, the IES-R scores increase, as well as by deteriorating sleep quality (p<0.05). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, PD patients experienced a worsening of clinical symptoms and increased treatment requirements. Furthermore, their quality of life was negatively affected, particularly among females and those who contracted COVID-19 infection. It is crucial to develop supportive treatment strategies targeting neuropsychological symptoms, as these could greatly contribute to the overall management and well-being of PD patients.

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