The potential association between COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease-like symptoms

Maruki T, Morioka S, Kutsuna S, Kimura Y, Mochizuki H, Ohmagari N

Although the initial triggers of Parkinson's disease (PD) remain largely unknown, viral infections have been implicated in some cases. In this study, we investigated the neurological sequelae and explored the potential association between post COVID-19 conditions and the development of Parkinson's disease-like symptoms by conducting a questionnaire survey on patients with COVID-19. We surveyed patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and visited the outpatient service of the institution from February 2020 to November 2021. Demographic and clinical data and data regarding the presence and duration of post COVID-19 conditions were obtained. The most common symptom was insomnia, experienced by 141 participants (27.9%). Bradykinesia was the next most common symptom, experienced by 66 participants (13.1%). Moreover, 18 (3.6%) participants reported persistence for > 180 days. Notably, the median duration of bradykinesia was 90 days. The proportions of patients with dysbasia, resting tremor, not previously noted constipation, and somniloquy were 9.1%, 5.0%, 4.8%, and 2.8%, respectively. Few participants had any of these symptoms lasting for more than 180 days. None of the participants was first diagnosed with PD, other neurological diseases, or dementia after COVID-19. Longitudinal follow-up surveys are needed to better understand the relationship between COVID-19 and PD.

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