COVID-19 manifestations in people with Parkinson's disease: a USA cohort

Background With the explosion of COVID-19 globally, it was unclear if people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) were at increased risk for severe manifestations or negative outcomes. Objectives To report on people with PD who had suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to understand how COVID-19 manifested in PD patients. Methods We surveyed PD patients who reported COVID-19 to their Movement Disorders specialists at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and respondents from an online survey administered by the Parkinson’s Foundation that assessed COVID-19 symptoms, general clinical outcomes and changes in motor and non-motor PD symptoms. Results Forty-six participants with PD and COVID-19 were enrolled. Similar to the general population, the manifestations of COVID-19 among people with PD were heterogeneous ranging from asymptomatic carriers (1/46) to death (6/46). The most commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms were fever/chills, fatigue, cough, weight loss, and muscle pain. Worsening and new onset of motor and non-motor PD symptoms during COVID-19 illness were also reported, including dyskinesia, rigidity, balance disturbances, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Conclusion We did not find sufficient evidence that PD is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 and death. Larger studies with controls are required to understand this further. Longitudinal follow-up of these participants will allow for observation of possible long-term effects of COVID-19 in PD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10784-3.