Swallowing difficulties in movement disorders
What You Need to Know

Can Movement Disorders Affect Swallowing?

Yes. If you have a movement disorder (like Parkinson’s disease), it can make it harder to chew and swallow food. Swallowing is controlled by a part of your brain called the brainstem. This part of the brain helps make sure that food goes down the right tube (the esophagus) and not the windpipe (the tube that carries air to your lungs).

If you have a movement disorder, this process may not work properly.
 

What Are the Signs of Swallowing Problems?

Here are some signs that you may have a swallowing problem:

• Food feels stuck in your throat.
• You have trouble swallowing pills.
• You cough when food or liquid goes down the wrong way.
• Eating and drinking are taking longer than usual.
• You’re eating less food or have a decreased appetite.
• You need to drink more fluids to help swallow food.
   

When Do Swallowing Problems Happen?

For people with Parkinson's disease, swallowing problems often start in the middle or later stages of the disease.

But in some people, swallowing problems can happen earlier, especially with other movement disorders, like Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
 

What Are the Problems Caused by Swallowing Issues?

Swallowing problems can cause:

• A higher risk of pneumonia (when food or liquid goes into your lungs and causes infection). 
• Coughing while eating or drinking (this can be embarrassing).
• Stress or anxiety around mealtime.
• Giving up foods that are hard to chew or swallow.
• Longer meal times, which can be tiring.
• Weight loss because eating becomes harder.
   

What Can I Do to Make Swallowing Easier?

Here are some tips that may help:

• Don’t talk while eating or drinking. Talking can cause food or drink to go down the wrong tube (the windpipe). If this is hard for you in social situations, explain to people what’s going on.
• If you have trouble swallowing pills, try taking them with thick liquids, like applesauce, instead of water. But don’t take pills with dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) because they can make Parkinson’s medicine (like levodopa) not work as well.
• Choose softer foods that are easier to chew and swallow, like mashed potatoes, soups, or soft fruits.
• When drinking from a cup, bend your head down slightly (chin to chest) to help swallow the last sip of liquid.
   

What Can Healthcare Professionals Do to Help?

If you have a swallowing problem, different healthcare professionals can help you. This includes:

• Speech-language pathologists: They can help you learn exercises to make swallowing safer and stronger.
• Dietitians: They can suggest softer foods that are easier to swallow.
• Doctors or nurses: They can recommend ways to prevent food from going down the wrong way and causing a cough.

If swallowing problems get very severe, your doctor may talk to you about tube feeding to make sure you get enough nutrition and liquids safely.
 

In Summary

• Swallowing problems are common in people with movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
• These problems can cause pneumonia, coughing, longer meal times, stress at meals, and even weight loss.
• If you notice any swallowing issues, talk to your doctor. There are things you can do to help manage these problems.

 

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