Objective: to evaluate the perceived impact of the SARS-COV 2 pandemic on own wellbeing in people with Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism (PWP) in Italy.

Background: SARS COV 2 virus has been threatening the world population singe January 2020; Italy was one of the first countries to be involved and had to undergo a national lockdown twice to control the virus’ waves. Psychological distress has been documented by many studies both in young, adults and elderly population and some reports show worsening of the motor and non motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.

Method: PWP were contacted by phone and interviewed by trained neuropsychologists expert in PWP, both during the first and the second lockdown in Italy. Patients were asked to rate their impression about motor, non-motor, cognitive and affective symptoms before, and during the lockdown. They were also asked to estimate how much weight the Covid pandemic had on the perceived change. During the second phone call patients were requested to answer considering the change compared to the first phone call. Information about dopamine replacement therapy, Covid19 symptoms and general habits (physical therapy) and cognitive and emotional reserve were collected.

Results: 101 (45 females, 56 males) answered the questionnaires  (age: 69,2 ± 9,5; disease duration: 9,9 ± 6,0; LD: 463,2 ± 258,6; LEDS 566,9 ± 118,3). The majority of the people (93) live with at least one other person. Ten patients experienced Covid 19 symptoms. PWP perceived worsening in their motor abilities, cognition, mood, and anxiety both in the first and second lockdowns.  However, in the second wave the worsening was perceived as less important compared with the previous interview. Sense of hope was higher in the second interview. PWP with antidepressant therapy (24) perceived a higher worsening in motor, autonomic and non motor symptoms, furthermore they felt lower sense of agency and hope. No difference was found between males and females. Behavioural addictions were stable or improved during the lockdowns.

Conclusion: despite the perceived worsening in motor and non-motor aspects consequent the restrictions and the pandemic situation, most PWP showed a resilience and the ability to cope with the situation adapting to it. However, some patients with depressive symptoms may be more vulnerable due to isolation and restrictions consequent to the pandemia.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/self-perceived-impact-of-the-sars-cov-2-pandemic-on-motor-non-motor-and-affective-symptoms-in-parkinsons-disease-and-parkinsonisms/