SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic and changes in lifestyle habits and mental health among individuals living with Parkinson's disease

ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify patterns of change in behavior and attitudes on lifestyle habits and mental health [CS1] [SM2] over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in British Columbia, Canada. Background: The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact with PD patients with changes to normal routines, social interactions, and physical activity[1]. Understanding issues affecting individuals with PD allows clinicians to better assist patients. Methods: Between May 2021 to July 2021, we sent a survey to 503 PD patients seen at our tertiary centre movement disorder clinic, of which 204 responded. Questions were based on changes in behavior in a range of activities of daily living including physical activity, food preparation and consumption, and mental health pre- and post pandemic. Results: Of the 204 respondents, 202 (99.0%) reported not having ever tested positive for the virus with 128 (62.7%) patients having received 1 dose of the vaccine and 71 (34.8%) patients having received 2 doses. 91 (44.6%) of respondents reported having significantly or somewhat less physical activity as compared with before the pandemic while 33 (16%) reported increased exercise. 41 (20.1%) of respondents reported increased consumption of convenience food whereas 74 (36%) reported less fast food consumption. The number of respondents rating their mental health as good, very good or excellent dropped from 183 (90%) estimated pre-pandemic to 166 (81%) at the time of the survey, with 57 (28%) reporting worse feelings of depression. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact on mood and healthy habits including levels of physical activity, and healthy eating in a significant group of ILPD, whereas a still sizable group reports improvements in healthy habits compared to the pandemic. Identifying risk factors as well as contributors to positive change will be important to provide targeted and effective support.