Effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on people with Parkinson's disease: experience from a Croatian regional center

Abstract

Aim To assess the effect of social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on physical and mental health of Parkinson’s disease patients treated at the University Hospital Center Rijeka. Methods This cross-sectional telephone study involved Parkinson’s disease patients who had at least one control examination at University Hospital Center Rijeka in 2020 and were Croatian citizens. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on the socio-demographic characteristics and the severity of motor, anxiety, depression, and non-motor symptoms. Results The final sample included 87 patients. Most patients reported subjective worsening of motor symptoms. Patients who lived alone had worse motor scores than those not living alone. The majority of patients reported worsening of anxiety symptoms. Significant worsening of anxiety symptoms was found in patients who lived alone, had a longer disease duration, and had avoided check-ups. Fewer patients had depression symptoms than motor and anxiety symptoms. Significantly higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were observed in patients with a longer disease duration. Significant worsening of non-motor symptoms was identified in patients who lived alone, were less educated, had a longer disease duration, and had a higher Charlson comorbidity index. Conclusion Patients who live alone, have longer disease duration, are less educated, avoid check-ups, and have more comorbidities are more vulnerable to the negative effects of social isolation.

Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on patients with Parkinson's disease: A meta‐analysis of 13,878 patients

“…Twelve studies involving 8922 individuals examined worsening mood due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the pooled estimate for prevalence was 31.14% (95% CI 21.77–42.35) 4,17,18,21,22,26,27,29,31,33,35,37 . Worsening or new‐onset depression was assessed in 15 studies of 9233 patients, and we found the prevalence to be 26.42% (95% CI 18.37–36.43) 4,6,7,17,19,21,23–28,30,34,36 . Worsening or new anxiety was studied in 18 papers involving a total of 12,496 patients, and the prevalence was 36.15% (95% CI 24.59–49.57) 4–8,17–21,23–25,27,28,30,34,35 .…”

“…1 ). 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 Of these, three studies were conducted in North America, 10 in Europe, 10 in Asia, two in Africa, and two in South America. A total of 16 studies were conducted in high‐income countries, five in upper‐middle‐income countries, and six in lower‐middle‐income countries.…”

“… 4 , 17 , 18 , 21 , 22 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 37 Worsening or new‐onset depression was assessed in 15 studies of 9233 patients, and we found the prevalence to be 26.42% (95% CI 18.37–36.43). 4 , 6 , 7 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 34 , 36 Worsening or new anxiety was studied in 18 papers involving a total of 12,496 patients, and the prevalence was 36.15% (95% CI 24.59–49.57). 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 34 , 35 Perceived deterioration in cognition was investigated in seven studies of 7177 patients, and the prevalence was 20.20% (95% CI 14.32–27.71).…”

“… 4 , 6 , 7 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 34 , 36 Worsening or new anxiety was studied in 18 papers involving a total of 12,496 patients, and the prevalence was 36.15% (95% CI 24.59–49.57). 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 34 , 35 Perceived deterioration in cognition was investigated in seven studies of 7177 patients, and the prevalence was 20.20% (95% CI 14.32–27.71). 4 , 16 , 17 , 27 , 28 , 35 , 36 Worse or reduced sleep was examined in 15 studies of 12,381 patients, and we found the prevalence to be 27.97% (95% CI 18.34–40.17).…”

Social deprivation and exclusion in Parkinson’s disease: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

“…Few studies have examined social isolation or similar constructs before the COVID-19 era 30. These studies have concluded that social isolation can lead to worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms and motor function,35 36 although these effects are not restricted to PD 37. Evidence for the influence of social exclusion on health outcomes comes from other studies of chronic conditions, such as dementia,38 diabetes,39 HIV40 and rheumatoid arthritis 41…”