It is estimated that there are currently over 145,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the UK. This progressive neurological condition affects people in a variety of ways, depending on numerous factors, including the impact and severity of their motor and non-motor symptoms. In relation to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government identified people with Parkinson’s disease as clinically vulnerable, suggesting that they were at higher risk of severe illness if they contracted the Covid-19 virus. The subsequent self-imposed isolation could potentially impact on Parkinson’s symptom control, and also affect wellbeing and quality of life. The Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist has had to rapidly adapt service delivery to ensure that the needs of people with Parkinson’s disease are addressed, predominantly with remote assessment, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is estimated that there are currently over 145,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the UK. This progressive neurological condition affects people in a variety of ways, depending on numerous factors, including the impact and severity of their motor and non-motor symptoms. In relation to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government identified people with Parkinson’s disease as clinically vulnerable, suggesting that they were at higher risk of severe illness if they contracted the Covid-19 virus. The subsequent self-imposed isolation could potentially impact on Parkinson’s symptom control, and also affect wellbeing and quality of life. The Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist has had to rapidly adapt service delivery to ensure that the needs of people with Parkinson’s disease are addressed, predominantly with remote assessment, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
