Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Parkinson's Disease: A Cross‐Sectional Survey of 568 Spanish Patients

ABSTRACT Background The aim of this study was to know the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on Spanish patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods This is a descriptive, observational, cross‐sectional study. An anonymous online survey with 95 questions was distributed among patients. Responses were collected from 11 May 2020 to 20 July 2020. Results Of a total of 570 questionnaires received, 568 (99.6%) were considered valid for the analysis (mean age, 63.5 ± 12.5 years; 53% females). A total of 553 patients (97.4%) were aware of the COVID‐19 pandemic and 68.8% were concerned about it; 95.6% took preventive measures. A total of 484 patients (85.2%) had no contact with cases of COVID‐19, and only 15 (2.6%) had confirmed COVID‐19. Although up to 72.7% remained active during confinement, 65.7% perceived a worsening of their symptoms. Conclusions Spanish patients with PD perceived the COVID‐19 pandemic with concern and responsibility. More than half experienced worsening of their symptoms during confinement. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society