Eating and swallowing difficulties are common in Parkinson’s and can impact safety, nutrition and quality of life. This fact sheet explores the symptoms and causes of dysphagia and saliva changes in Parkinson’s and what can be done to manage them.
In this resource, you’ll learn about:
- How Parkinson’s affects the muscles involved in swallowing
- Signs of swallowing difficulty (choking, coughing, weight loss)
- Managing saliva, drooling, and dry mouth
- Tips for safe eating and mealtime strategies
- When to involve a speech pathologist or dietitian
Managing these issues early can reduce the risk of aspiration, malnutrition, and dehydration. Whether it’s modifying food textures, timing meals, or using swallowing techniques, there are many tools available to help.
