Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical wellbeing of patients with motor neuron disease and other neuromuscular disease

Abstract

Background and aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable populations faced worsening mental and physical well-being due to limited access to support systems and diverted health resources during lockdowns. Individuals with chronic neurological disorders including motor neuron disease (MND), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) were at considerable risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the psychological and physical impact of lockdowns on individuals with MND and other chronic neuromuscular disorders (non-MND). Methods: Online surveys were distributed to 58 patients, with information prospectively collected to capture demographics, COVID-19 concerns, resilience, loneliness, anxiety, and depression using validated measures. Disease severity and physical activity levels were also assessed. Data was analysed using Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square tests. Results: MND patients consistently showed resilience regardless of their impairment level. In further support, those with non-MND conditions reported greater concern for their mental well-being and experienced significantly more loneliness than MND patients (p = 0.005). Moderately to highly impaired non-MND patients experienced higher levels of loneliness (p = 0.024), anxiety (p = 0.006), and depression (p < 0.001) compared to similarly impaired MND patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that despite having a poorer prognosis, MND patients demonstrate resilience, possibly reflecting increased social and allied health support. Neurobehavioral differences may also contribute to differing illness beliefs and behaviours. In the event of future pandemic events, additional targeted social supports, recreational activities, and allied health interventions may have a greater impact in reducing distress for those with CIDP and MMN.