Can Parkinson’s cause difficulties in swallowing?
Slowness in muscle movement (bradykinesia) – one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s – can lead to difficulties in swallowing (also referred to as dysphagia). As a result, eating becomes slow, hesitant and more of an effort and drooling may become an embarrassing problem.Swallowing difficulties, if they occur, tend to happen in the later years of the disorder. However, because the problem is not common, a throat specialist would normally conduct an examination to exclude any other cause. In most cases, no other cause is found and assistance from a speech therapist can help overcome any anxieties you may have by helping you feel more in control and enabling you to eat more normally. As swallowing is difficult, be prepared to eat slowly and carefully so food does not block your breathing.
