Giacomo Iabichella (Italy)
University of Messina Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineAuthor Of 1 Presentation
IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PARKINSON’S DISEASE: THE EXPERIENCE OF AN ITALIAN CENTRE
- Sandy M. Cartella (Italy)
Abstract
Background and Aims:
Covid-19 had a negative impact on motor and non-motor aspects of movement disorders. The aim of this work is To assess the impact of Covid-19 on Parkinson’s Disease patients, with regard on non-motor symptoms, social aspects and everyday life.
Methods:
Self-administered survey, based on Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scale, UPDRS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Motor evaluation (UPDRS III) before and after lockdown.
Results:
We analysed 33 patients. 50% of them felt more depressed and anxious than before lockdown. Sleep quality decreased for 38% of patients. These features are related between them and with the patients’ level of education. For 5 patients hallucinations got worse, while four experienced worsened binge-eating disorder, one had ICDs and DDS for the first time. 43% of patients felt more fatigued, 58% of them felt more slowness of movements. 37% of patients felt their FOG worsened, 44% felt their posture did and 29% got worse motor fluctuations. UPDRS III worsened in 38% of patients. Only 5 patients had difficulty in finding their doctors, none of them in finding their drugs. 6 patients knew what telemedicine is, and 4 of them used it. 29% of patients said their health and quality of life decreased. For 51% of patients the most important problem was the impossibility to practice physiotherapy. Most people emailed our centre to postpone appointments or to seek medical advice, only 1% asked for Covid-19 related issues and telemedicine consultations.
Conclusions:
Covid-19 had a negative impact on motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, with quality of life repercussions.