Help For Swallowing Problems With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is known to cause tremors and slow movement — but it can also make it harder to eat, drink and swallow. Many people living with Parkinson’s develop swallowing problems. This is a condition called dysphagia.

“Significant swallowing issues usually show up later in the disease,” said Hannah Fischer, speech-language pathologist at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville. “But they can really affect daily life, so it’s important to catch them early.”

What Causes Swallowing Problems In Parkinson’s?

Swallowing requires many muscles and nerves to work together. These movements happen very quickly — in a split second.

Parkinson’s disease affects swallowing because the disease lowers the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that helps send signals from the brain to your muscles. When there’s not enough dopamine, the signals slow down. That makes it harder for your muscles to move the right way when you swallow.

“People may start coughing or clearing their throat while eating or drinking,” Fischer said. “It might happen only once in a while at first. But if it starts to happen several times a week or at every meal, that’s a red flag.”

Other signs of swallowing problems may include:

• Drooling
• Food sticking in the throat
• Trouble chewing or controlling food in the mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Wet or gurgly voice after meals

Why Is Safe Swallowing So Important With Parkinson’s?

Swallowing problems can lead to serious health issues if not treated.

“When food or liquid accidentally goes down the wrong way, it can get into your lungs,” Fischer explained. This is called aspiration. Even swallowing saliva the wrong way can carry bacteria into the lungs. That can cause aspiration pneumonia, which is a lung infection. “It’s especially dangerous for older adults or those with a weak immune system.

Swallowing issues can also affect nutrition and confidence. Some people with swallowing issues may feel nervous to eat in public or might feel anxious eating in front of others. They may skip meals because of these feelings.

That’s why it makes such a big difference to catch swallowing issues early.

“We want to catch it as soon as possible — before swallowing becomes a bigger issue,” Fischer said.

How Can Speech Therapy Help With Swallowing?

Speech-language pathologists like Fischer check for swallowing problems and teach exercises to help strengthen the muscles used to eat and drink safely.

“There are exercises we use to help the small muscles that control swallowing,” she said. “We also teach safe swallowing tricks, like changing posture or how to prepare food.”

In some cases, working with a speech therapist might include:

• A swallowing test (called a clinical or video swallow study)
• Home exercises to build strength and control
• Regular check-ups with your care team
• Tips for safer eating at home

Is Swallowing Therapy Worth It?

Many patients — and their families — wonder if speech therapy is worth the time and effort.

“Yes, it’s worth it,” Fischer said. “A lot of research shows that education and strengthening exercises help people with Parkinson’s. It can improve their quality of life.”

Even small changes can help someone feel safer and more confident at mealtime.

“We want people with Parkinson’s to enjoy eating and feel supported,” she added.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you or a loved one coughs at meals or clears their throat often, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. You can also ask for a referral to speech therapy.

“The sooner we start therapy, the more we can help,” Fischer said. “There’s no reason to wait.”

Support That Helps You — or Someone You Love — Eat Safely

Swallowing problems can feel scary, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Whether it’s for yourself or a family member, Franciscan Health offers therapy to support safe eating. It can lead to a better quality of life. Request an appointment with a speech therapist.