  COVID-19 infections have well described systemic manifestations, especially
respiratory problems. There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines
against the current strain. With higher case numbers, a range of neurological
symptoms are becoming apparent. The mechanisms responsible for these are not
well defined, other than those related to hypoxia and microthrombi. We
speculate that sustained systemic immune activation seen with SARS-CoV-2 may
also cause secondary autoimmune activation in the CNS. Patients with chronic
neurological diseases may be at higher risk because of chronic secondary
respiratory disease and potentially poor nutritional status. Here, we review
the impact of COVID-19 on people with chronic neurological diseases and
potential mechanisms. We believe special attention to protecting people with
neurodegenerative disease is warranted. We are concerned about a possible
delayed pandemic in the form of an increased burden of neurodegenerative
disease after acceleration of pathology by systemic COVID-19 infections.
