People with Parkinson’s disease may have trouble eating due to changes with chewing and swallowing function. You may use the self-assessment tool below to help gain more insight into your ability to chew and swallow food. It is designed as a self-reflective tool and is not a diagnostic test, nor should it replace the medical advice and information from your doctor.

SELF-ASSESSMENT: 

• Have you experienced times when it may be more difficult to swallow certain foods or liquids?
• Are you clearing your throat or coughing with meals?
• Do you get the sensation of food being stuck in your throat?
• Do you drool?
• Do you have difficulty keeping food or fluids in your mouth?
• Are you having difficulty chewing the solid food that you once had no difficulty managing?
• Are you unable to eat enough food to maintain your weight and energy? 
• Have you been diagnosed with pneumonia? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, or have concerns about your chewing and swallowing, consult your physician. They may refer you to a speech pathologist who will be able to evaluate your swallowing function and make specific recommendations to address your swallowing impairment. Some recommendations may include:

• Diet consistency changes such as: thickening liquids to allow improved control of the liquids from the mouth; cutting foods into bite-sized pieces; mashing foods through the tines of a fork; adding sauces or gravies to help moisten food for easier clearance.
• Specific exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles.
• Specific swallowing postures or strategies to improve your swallowing safety during eating and drinking.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS MAY INCLUDE:

• Avoid mixed consistencies of foods, i.e. chicken and noodles in a broth or cold cereal in milk. Drained or blended foods may be easier.
• Consider preparing softer foods that are easier to eat, such as casseroles, braised meats, stews or blended soups. There may be times when it is easier to consume mashed or pureed food.
• Smaller, more frequent, nutrient dense mini-meals may reduce fatigue during a meal.
• Speech Pathologists work closely with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who can help strategize your meals and snacks to improve your nutrition while promoting a healthy weight and aid in bowel elimination.
• Plan for meals when your medication is working its best.
• Eat when you are less tired. You may need to shift your bigger meals to earlier in the day.
• Plate smaller portions and keep foods hot if meals are taking a long time.
• It may be easier to put smaller portions into your mouth at one time.
• Sitting upright in a comfortable position may help to allow for easier chewing and swallowing.