The Potential Role of SARS-COV-2 in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.

Considering their current burden and epidemiological projections, nowadays Parkinson's disease and the COVID-19 pandemic are two key health problems. There is evidence of the pathogenic role of neurotropic viruses in neurodegenerative diseases and coronaviruses are neurotropic, with some of them selectively targeting the basal ganglia. Moreover, some authors demonstrated the longevity of these viruses in the affected cells of the nervous system for long periods. Coronavirus was detected in brain autopsies and SARS-CoV-2 has been isolated from the CSF of affected patients. The marked inflammatory response in some particular patients with COVID-19 with a consequent increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines is considered a prognostic factor. Immunologic changes are observed in patients with Parkinson's disease, possibly having a role in its pathogenesis. A dynamic pro-inflammatory state accompanies α-synuclein accumulation and the development and progression of neurodegeneration. Also, some viral infectious diseases might have a role as triggers, generating a cross autoimmune reaction against α-synuclein. In the past Coronaviruses have been related to Parkinson's disease, however, until now the causal role of these viruses is unknown. In this paper, our focus is to assess the potential relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and Parkinson's disease.

Evaluación de síntomas no motores y descontrol de impulsos en usuarios con enfermedad de Parkinson por el médico en atención primaria / Nonmotor symptoms in 32 patients with Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND: Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease significantly hamper the quality of life of patients and have prognostic significance. AIM: To evaluate the presence of nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A structured interview was carried out in 32 patients aged 74 ± 9 years (53% men) with Parkinson disease asking specifically for impulse control disorders and dopaminergic dysregulation. The following scales were also applied: Hoehn & Yahr scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Geriatric depression scale, Nonmotor symptom scale and REM sleep scale. RESULTS: A high frequency of nonmotor symptoms was recorded, specially mood, sleep, urinary and gastrointestinal problems and impulse control disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Nonmotor symptoms must be actively sought and managed in patients with Parkinson disease.

[Nonmotor symptoms in 32 patients with Parkinson disease]. / Evaluación de síntomas no motores y descontrol de impulsos en usuarios con enfermedad de Parkinson por el médico en atención primaria.

BACKGROUND: Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease significantly hamper the quality of life of patients and have prognostic significance. AIM: To evaluate the presence of nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A structured interview was carried out in 32 patients aged 74 ± 9 years (53% men) with Parkinson disease asking specifically for impulse control disorders and dopaminergic dysregulation. The following scales were also applied: Hoehn & Yahr scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Geriatric depression scale, Nonmotor symptom scale and REM sleep scale. RESULTS: A high frequency of nonmotor symptoms was recorded, specially mood, sleep, urinary and gastrointestinal problems and impulse control disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Nonmotor symptoms must be actively sought and managed in patients with Parkinson disease.