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

Prasad, Shweta; Holla, Vikram Venkappayya; Neeraja, Koti; Surisetti, Bharath Kumar; Kamble, Nitish; Yadav, Ravi; Pal, Pramod Kumar

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.