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  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Advancing Research](/advancing-research)
- [Survey Data & Community Insights](/advancing-research/survey-data)
 
 #  COVID-19 & Parkinson's Survey 

 

   

  ## 💡 Quick Summary 

 - A Parkinson’s Foundation survey examined how COVID-19 and social distancing affected people with Parkinson’s, including their [daily activities](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living "Activities of Daily Living") and access to care.

- [Telehealth](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/telemedicine "Telemedicine") use rose sharply, with 54% more people using it — especially for medical visits and mental health — and about half wanting to continue using telehealth after the pandemic.

- Most respondents (75%) joined online versions of activities like exercise classes and support groups, revealing a strong shift toward virtual programs during COVID-19.

 

   ![Nurse and patient looking at paper with masks on](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/covid19andparkinsons.jpg?itok=SiiZEGUf)  Little is known about the impact of [**COVID-19**](/advancing-research/survey-data/covid "COVID-19 & Parkinson's Survey") on the health and day-to-day activities of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A Parkinson’s Foundation survey titled [***The Impact of COVID-19 and Social Distancing on People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Survey Study***](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-020-00153-8.pdf), aimed to understand the impact of public health policies on the Parkinson’s community.

### About the Study

This study was conducted in collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center, a [**Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence**](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"). Five people with Parkinson’s and one care partner reviewed this study.

   54% 

increase in use of telehealth – most often used for doctor’s appointments and mental health therapy.

 

  75% 

of respondents participated in an activity that had transitioned to an online format.

 

  50% 

of respondents would prefer to continue using telehealth after the COVID-19 outbreak ends.

 

 

 

 ###  Key Highlights 

- Only 1% of people with PD reported a COVID-19 diagnosis by a health provider, of which 0.3% had this diagnosis confirmed by testing.
- Telehealth use increased by 54% and was most often used for doctor’s appointments and mental health therapy. 
    - Individuals with higher income and education were more likely to use telehealth services.
- About 50% of respondents shared that they would prefer to continue using telehealth after the COVID-19 outbreak had ended. 
    - Having received support or instruction for telehealth, having a care partner or friend to help with virtual appointments and having used telehealth before were associated with continued use after the pandemic.
- Most respondents (75%) had participated in an activity that had transitioned to an online format, including exercise and wellness classes, support groups, educational events and religious services.
- This study took place between May and June 2020

 

 [![ ](https://public.tableau.com/static/images/CO/COVIDUSMapGradient/USMap/1_rss.png)](#)

 var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1611178518738'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; if ( divElement.offsetWidth > 800 ) { vizElement.style.width='700px';vizElement.style.height='800px';} else if ( divElement.offsetWidth > 500 ) { vizElement.style.width='700px';vizElement.style.height='800px';} else { vizElement.style.width='100%';vizElement.style.height='800px';} var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https://public.tableau.com/javascripts/api/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); **Figure Description:** Participant representation by COVID-19 per capita infections as of May 27, 2020. Darker states indicate higher per capita infections of COVID-19. Grey dots reflect survey participant locations. Black dots reflect the location of a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.

 ![Infographic about COVID Survey findings](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/COVIDSurveyInfographic.png?itok=jrwn0dyv)   ###  Get Involved 

Join the Parkinson’s Foundation Surveys initiative to make sure your voice is heard!

 [SIGN UP](https://redcap.parkinson.org/surveys/?s=YARFFXAHEN&_ga=2.265818639.1496261139.1652100031-1865381441.1638284903&_gac=1.94826606.1651676943.Cj0KCQjwyMiTBhDKARIsAAJ-9VuA9LhkaX_vw87zghONLlxOi2PWufaUbS5-XCl5kKzUcq_HbR7-nSEaAiOjEALw_wcB) 

 

  ##  Related Blog Posts 

   ![talking to therapist](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/copingwithcovid19-surveyresults-duringpandemic-blog.jpg?h=3dee4dbb&itok=CYlyMvSM)  

 Advancing Research 

###  [ Coping with COVID-19: Survey Results from People with Parkinson’s During the Pandemic ](/blog/research/covid19-survey) 

 

  READ NOW  

  ![A couple video face timing with friends or family](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/COVID-19QA-Blog.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=AZB5WfZc)  

 Tips for Daily Living 

###  [ Top Questions and Answers on COVID-19 and Parkinson's Disease ](/blog/tips/covid-faq) 

 

  READ NOW  

  ![Woman on the phone](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/covidresources-blog.jpg?h=2921238c&itok=8myhVF9s)  

 Raise Awareness 

###  [ 8 Useful Parkinson’s Foundation COVID-19 Resources ](/blog/awareness/covid-resources) 

 

  READ NOW  

 

  

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