Swallowing Problems and Parkinson’s

"Swallowing is a big deal for Parkinson’s people," Dad explains one early morning. I know that he is hinting at one of his current challenges although he doesn’t outright say so.

He doesn’t love to talk about the difficulties that he faces on a day-to-day basis. But he volunteers the information, knowing that I’ll make my way down an informational rabbit hole about the topic.

The impact of this symptom

He's right. Activities that relate to speaking and swallowing often become more challenging as Parkinson’s disease (PD) progresses. Struggles with swallowing or dysphagia, can create both challenging and dangerous circumstances for those who struggle with the symptom.

Not only can swallowing become a hazard for choking, but they may also cause people with Parkinson’s to withdraw from social activities. And when you inhale your food or liquid, you’re more likely to develop respiratory illnesses like Pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death among Parkinson’s patients.¹

Over the course of time, Dad has exhibited a number of different Parkinson’s symptoms. It is more difficult for him to swallow. His voice has become quiet, and speaks a little less. And I wonder if all of these things are connected. Perhaps some of the muscles he uses to speak are also connected to swallowing.

Minimizing the risk

Fortunately, it is possible to take a number of steps to minimize the risk that’s associated with changes to swallowing.

Strategies like taking small bites of food, or little sips can make food easier for PD patients to manage the swallowing process. And it may be helpful to swallow more than once or to drink fluid between bites of food.¹

There is also such thing as swallowing therapy This practice is designed to help those who are struggle to swallow to regain some of their muscular control. Not only may therapy help you to choose foods that are easier to manage, it may also provide a good way to clue your family members into your struggles, and to strengthen your throat muscles.²

In fact, one study showed that swallowing exercise could help to reduce swallowing strain, ultimately creating a better quality of life among PD patients.³

Making adjustments

Prior to deep brain stimulation, Dad struggled to keep weight on his slight frame. And I wondered if part of the issue was that it has become more difficult for him to eat.

I’m less worried about his weight since he had the surgery because it helped him put about 20 pounds back on. But I’m still curious about how food may impact his life.

In order to combat the changes that he has seen to his ability to swallow, Dad has made a number of adjustments: "I always make sure that I have a glass of water or something to drink alongside my meal," he tells me.

Doing so seems to help him flush stubborn food down his throat in a pinch. He also takes extra time when he chews, and his efforts seem to be making a difference.