Drooling is a common and frustrating challenge with Parkinson's, and it's great that you're looking for solutions. The good news is there are several approaches that may help.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is often the best first step. They can assess swallowing and muscle coordination, and recommend targeted Show Full Answer
Drooling is a common and frustrating challenge with Parkinson's, and it's great that you're looking for solutions. The good news is there are several approaches that may help.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is often the best first step. They can assess swallowing and muscle coordination, and recommend targeted exercises or therapies to help manage excess saliva.
One highly regarded therapy is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), which helps strengthen and better control the muscles involved in swallowing. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared: "I finally found a great speech therapist trained in LSVT. She has me 80–90 percent better. It works, but it takes discipline doing daily exercises and not giving up!" There are also some practical mealtime adjustments that may reduce drooling and make eating easier:
- Consciously swallowing saliva regularly throughout the day
- Sitting up as straight as possible while eating and drinking
- Taking small sips and small bites
- Minimizing distractions like conversation during meals
- Focusing on keeping the mouth closed while eating
It's also worth speaking to his neurologist, as medication management for Parkinson's can sometimes improve swallowing and saliva control. Bringing this up at the next appointment is a great starting point.
AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to
diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.
How To Manage Difficulty Swallowing in Parkinson’s
June 1
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