Long-Lasting Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Their Relatives

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heavily impacted medical care of patients with Parkinson's disease (PwP).Objective To assess the longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PwP and their relatives in Germany.Methods Two online, nationwide, cross-sectional surveys were conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 and from July to September 2021.Results A total of 342 PwP and 113 relatives participated. Despite partial resumption of social and group activities, healthcare was continuously disrupted during times of loosened restrictions. Respondents' willingness to use telehealth infrastructure increased, yet the availability remained low. PwP reported worsened symptoms and further deterioration during the pandemic, resulting in an increase in new symptoms and relatives' burden. We identified patients at particular risk: young patients and those with long disease duration.Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic persistently disrupts the care and quality of life of PwP. Although willingness to use telemedicine services has increased, its availability needs to be improved.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with Parkinson's disease (PwP) and their relatives in Germany. The study found that despite some resumption of social and group activities, healthcare services remained disrupted. PwP reported worsened symptoms, resulting in new symptoms and increased burden for their relatives. Younger patients and those with longer disease duration were identified as particularly at risk.