PD Blog Series 1: How Parkinson's Disease Affects Swallowing - Dysphagia

Parkinson’s disease is often associated with tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties, but one lesser-known yet critical symptom is dysphagia — difficulty swallowing. Though it might not be the first symptom that comes to mind, swallowing problems affect up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease, often leading to serious health risks if left unaddressed.

Why Does Parkinson’s Affect Swallowing?

Swallowing is a complex process involving over 30 muscles and coordinated nerve signals. Parkinson’s disease affects the brain's ability to control these movements, leading to delayed or weakened swallowing responses. Over time, this can make eating and drinking challenging and even dangerous.

Early Signs of Dysphagia in Parkinson’s

Recognizing swallowing difficulties early can help prevent complications. Some signs to watch for include:

• Coughing or choking while eating or drinking

• Drooling or difficulty managing saliva

• Feeling of food sticking in the throat

• Unintentional weight loss or dehydration

• Prolonged mealtime duration

• Increased throat clearing while eating

Because symptoms often develop gradually, people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers may not immediately notice these changes. However, even subtle difficulties with swallowing can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a life-threatening infection caused by food or liquid entering the lungs.

The Consequences of Untreated Dysphagia

If dysphagia is not managed properly, it can lead to:

• Aspiration pneumonia, the leading cause of hospitalization in Parkinson’s patients

• Malnutrition and dehydration, due to difficulty consuming enough food and fluids

• Social isolation, as eating becomes frustrating or embarrassing

What Can Be Done?

The good news is that early intervention can help. If you or a loved one with Parkinson’s is experiencing swallowing difficulties, here are some important steps to take:

• Consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP): They specialize in swallowing disorders and can perform assessments to determine the safest ways to eat and drink.

• Modify food textures: Soft, moist, or transitional foods (like Savorease Crispy Melts) can make swallowing easier and safer. Consult your healthcare provider.

• Practice swallowing exercises: SLPs can recommend targeted exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles and improve coordination.

• Stay hydrated and maintain oral care: Keeping the mouth clean and well-hydrated reduces the risk of infections and discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Swallowing difficulties in Parkinson’s disease are common but often overlooked. By recognizing the early signs and seeking appropriate interventions, people with Parkinson’s can maintain better nutrition, reduce health risks, and improve their overall quality of life.

If you found this article helpful, stay tuned for our next post on the link between dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia in Parkinson’s disease.