Parkinson's Disease & Swallowing

Living with Parkinson’s and Swallowing Challenges

If you or someone you love has Parkinson’s disease, you probably know about the tremors and movement changes. But did you know Parkinson’s can also affect swallowing? This symptom, called dysphagia, is common and can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Swallowing is a complex process involving muscles and nerves. Parkinson’s can slow or weaken these muscles, making it harder to chew, move food, and protect the airway. That’s why understanding the signs and getting help early is so important.

Why Does Parkinson’s Affect Swallowing?

Parkinson’s disease impacts the nervous system, which controls muscle movement. Over time, this can lead to:

• Slow or weak tongue movement

• Difficulty chewing and forming a food bolus

• Delayed swallow reflex

• Reduced airway protection, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs).

These changes can make eating stressful and even dangerous.

Signs to Watch For

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to speak up:

• Coughing or choking during meals

• Food or pills sticking in the throat

• Drooling or difficulty managing saliva

• Unexplained weight loss

• Frequent respiratory infections

How Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Help?

This is where an SLP steps in. We’re trained to assess and treat swallowing disorders. Here’s what we do:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: We use clinical exams and sometimes imaging (like a modified barium swallow) to see what’s happening during your swallow.

• Personalized Exercises: Targeted techniques to strengthen muscles and improve coordination.

• Safe Swallowing Strategies: Tips like posture changes, pacing, and specific maneuvers to reduce aspiration risk.

• Diet Recommendations: Adjusting food textures and liquid thickness to make swallowing safer and easier.

• Education and Support: Helping you and your family understand what’s happening and how to manage it day-to-day.

The Bottom Line

Swallowing difficulties in Parkinson’s disease are common—but they don’t have to take away your quality of life. If you’re noticing changes, talk to your doctor and ask for an SLP referral to an SLP for dysphagia as soon as you notice problems. 

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