Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Parkinson’s disease can lead to difficulties with swallowing, which is called dysphagia. Not only is it frustrating to have problems with eating and drinking, this symptom can also cause health risks.
Dysphagia due to Parkinson’s disease can worsen over time. That’s why it’s important to begin therapy as soon as you notice any swallowing problems. Having the right support can help prevent your symptoms from progressing.
When you hear the term “speech therapist,” you may not think of swallowing. However, speech-language pathologists are the professionals who treat dysphagia. Let’s look at how speech therapy can help dysphagia related to Parkinson’s, as well as how to find a therapist.
How does Parkinson’s disease affect swallowing?
Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disease that can affect the nerves that control facial and throat movement. As a result, Parkinson’s can make it hard to move these muscles effectively. This can lead to problems with eating and drinking.
Swallowing difficulty can show up at any stage of Parkinson’s disease. For some people, dysphagia may even be the first sign of Parkinson’s.
Signs of dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease
Signs of swallowing problems with Parkinson’s include the following:
Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
Choking or near-choking experiences
Coughing with food or liquids
Often clearing your throat with meals
Taking longer to finish a meal; you may be the last one at the table
A frequent runny nose while eating or drinking
A wet-sounding or gurgly voice after eating
Drooling
Losing weight or eating less
It’s important to know that people with dysphagia are at greater risk for choking and aspiration. Aspiration is when food or liquid goes into the trachea, or windpipe, instead of down the esophagus. Aspiration is a serious condition and can lead to pneumonia. However, speech therapy can help prevent aspiration by working to strengthen the swallowing muscles.
How are swallowing problems treated?
Treatment for dysphagia can help people with Parkinson’s improve their swallowing skills and eat and drink more safely.
Speech therapists are trained to identify the signs and symptoms of aspiration and swallowing difficulties. Your speech therapist will make a detailed list of your current diet and ask you questions to determine which foods and liquids may be causing problems. They will also observe as you eat and drink different foods and liquids. They may notice signs of dysphagia that you’re not aware of.
Some people will need an instrumental swallowing examination. One of the most common exams is called a modified barium swallow study (MBSS). This X-ray shows where the swallowing problem is and whether liquid and food are going into the trachea. If so, there may be a risk of aspiration. The MBSS results will help the speech therapist determine:
Which foods and liquids are safe for you to consume
What types of strengthening exercises or strategies will help you most
Diet changes for Parkinson's
Speech therapists know that swallowing therapy for Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. For many people, food is the center of special memories, family time, and other events. If you’re having problems eating, you may feel frustrated or upset.
Your speech therapist will work with you to keep as many favorite foods and liquids as possible in your diet.
Your speech therapist will work with you to keep as many favorite foods and liquids as possible in your diet. There may be some modifications needed, such as cooking certain foods to be softer or changing the liquids you drink. But your preferences will be accommodated as much as possible, while ensuring your diet is safe.
Swallowing exercises for Parkinson's
In addition to diet changes, your speech therapist may recommend certain types of swallowing exercises. These are exercises that can strengthen the muscles used to swallow.
Your therapist will teach you the exercises that are best for you and explain how often to practice them. In many cases, strengthening these muscles can prevent people from needing to make drastic changes in their everyday diet.
How do you know it’s time to see a speech therapist for dysphagia?
If you have any of the symptoms of dysphagia listed above, don’t wait to make an appointment with a speech therapist. This is true even if the changes are subtle or don’t bother you much. Remember, problems with eating and swallowing can be a cause for concern. The right exercises or diet adjustments can increase your safety during meals.
Speech therapy for Parkinson’s can also help prevent your swallowing difficulties from getting worse. This helps you not only maintain, but potentially regain, some of the function that may have been lost due to your Parkinson’s diagnosis. Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease, and symptoms can continue to worsen. But when you are proactive and follow your speech therapist’s recommendations, you can make major progress.
How long is dysphagia treatment for Parkinson’s?
The length of speech therapy for dysphagia will vary. Some people will need ongoing therapy for the foreseeable future. Others may only need a few appointments of therapy, followed by occasional check-ins unless the dysphagia symptoms become worse.
Your speech therapist will recommend how often you should have therapy. Many people with Parkinson’s have weekly speech therapy sessions, while some may be seen twice a week.
Keep in mind that following your speech therapist’s diet guidelines and practicing any swallowing exercises will help you make progress more quickly. Your speech therapist will give you guidance and support during each session. But the work you do at home between sessions is just as important. This helps your muscles become stronger and “remember” what they’re supposed to do when you eat and drink.
How does online swallowing therapy work?
Expressable offers online therapy for a variety of swallowing problems, including those related to Parkinson’s. Online speech therapy is much like in-person treatment. You have one-on-one sessions with your speech therapist, but instead of sitting across a table from each other, you video conference together on your computer or tablet.
When speech therapy is online, you can attend sessions from the comfort of home. You don’t have to commute to a clinic, and your caregivers or family members can be right beside you, or even call in from another location. Many people prefer online speech therapy because of the convenience, and studies show that it’s just as effective as in-person therapy for Parkinson’s symptoms.
Your speech therapist will likely ask you to come to sessions with specific foods or drinks so they can observe your swallowing skills. Over time, they may recommend different ways to prepare the food to change its texture, and direct you to bring different foods or drinks to try. Your therapist will track your progress week to week and adjust your treatment goals as needed.
Reach out to Expressable today
If you’re noticing any signs of swallowing changes or problems, contact Expressable to get matched with a speech therapist. You can manage dysphagia and make substantial progress with the right support from therapy.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication and feeding, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 3,000 5-star reviews from our clients (4.9/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
Communication is more than words. It’s how we share how we feel and show who we are. We’re here to help you or your child do just that.
