Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders – The neurological manifestations of COVID-19 – Times Now

Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders - The neurological manifestations of COVID-19 | Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Amidst the COVID 19 pandemic the whole nation is under lockdown, and looking at the current situation of increasing cases, the situation is likely to continue. While most of the professionals have been instructed to work from home, being devoid of a workplace ambience can cause depression and anxiety among many and those with pre-existing conditions may be at an added risk of health problems. We are very well aware that social distancing is the only proven measure to break the infection chain in the present situation, people also need to keep themselves engaged in fruitful activities in order to keep their mental health intact.

While the COVID-19 being new to the humankind, its effect and severity on the overall health have not been recorded yet, but until now people with chronic ailments like asthma, renal disorders, heart problem, and the geriatric population has been asked to follow extra precautions. Though the potential of the Coronavirus can affect any organ or body part should be considered omnipresent, as it appears. Various studiesalso show the potential impact of the COVID on the neurons, putting those with neurological ailments at an elevated risk.DrJaideepBansal, HOD & Consultant Neurology, Saroj Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi shares how COVID-19 can impact brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease, and what we can do to take care of people who may be prone to such ailments.

It is necessary to be aware of the possibility of various neurological manifestations of Covid-19, both during acute illness as well as the possibility of long-term effects or on people with pre-existing conditions.People with pre-existing conditions or undergoing treatment for epilepsy, Parkinsons Disease, or those who have had a history of a stroke attack, may be highly vulnerable to elevated symptoms like seizures, loss of steadiness, dizziness, impaired consciousness, cognitive impairment or even loss of smell and taste.

The geriatric population is highly susceptible to COVID infection pertaining to both physical and social reasons. As we age our immune system also depletes gradually and likely, for this reason, any elderly catchingcoronavirus is more vulnerable to sail through the ill-effects of the virus. While the bodys fighting capacity would have reduced by this age (in comparison to others), in addition to the existing co-morbidities like diabetes, respiratory ailments like asthma, COPD chronic Bronchitis etc, heart ailments among many other chronic ailments, elderly population are more susceptible as well as less prone to recover.

Healthy, well-balanced diet and being physically active should be your aim. Stressactivates your adrenal glands to release cortisol, increasing your appetite;Stressalso impedes hunger hormones, like ghrelin, that regulate your appetite. Unfortunately, anxiety-induced hunger can have long-term consequences for your waistline. When youre understress, you often feel out of control and overwhelmed and that can leak into your eating habits. Focus on the real issue, Think long-term and Get mindful. Have a good night sleep. (good sleep hygiene). Convert your fear into courage, poison into medicine and unlock your compassion and wisdom to help prevent the effects of stress on your immunity.Get at least 7- 8hours ofsleep for the proper function of the brain and avoid consuming caffeine in the late evening and alcohol before bedtime.

Lets learn to cope with our new reality of being in this virtual life that includes virtual work, virtual consultations, virtual exercise lesson and virtual family and friend meets. It is normal to feel sad, stressed, scared during such a crisis. Remember, it is a physical lockdown for everyone, not a lockdown of your mind and soul; it is not a lockdown of help, hope and kindness.

Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders – The neurological manifestations of COVID-19 – Times Now

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