Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What stage am I having trouble with swallowing

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Anderson, IN

I've heard since we're seventeen years

August 8
 · 
Be the first to react
5 Stages of Parkinson’s Progression Read Article...
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you!

August 20
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

There is help out there for swallowing and talking problems. Ask your neurologist to send you to a speech-language pathologist—despite the name, they work with swallowing too. For instance, they can do a swallowing test to see where food or liquid is getting stuck or going the wrong way, then show you safer ways to eat, drink, and take medicine. They can also work on making your voice louder and clearer through programs such as SPEAK OUT! or LSVT LOUD. The Parkinson’s Foundation, American Parkinson Disease Association, and Parkinson Voice Project all have good information. Definitely ask your neurologist what help is available near you.

August 10
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member - LSVT stands for the Lee Silverton Voice Therapy, though there are actually two LSVT therapies: LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. Sometimes they are combined. Both are intensive programs that start with 4 days a week for 4 weeks. The BIG program is done with a Physical therapist and works on movement. LOUD is done with a speech therapist and works primarily on voice volume, but a good therapist can also help with swallowing issues.

August 9
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

What is LSVT therapy?

August 9
MyParkinsonsTeam

It sounds like you're asking: "What stage of Parkinson's is associated with swallowing difficulties, given that you've been living with it for 17 years?"

Swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia) can actually show up at any stage of Parkinson's — even early on. It's not tied to a specific stage, so the length of time Show Full Answer

It sounds like you're asking: "What stage of Parkinson's is associated with swallowing difficulties, given that you've been living with it for 17 years?"

Swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia) can actually show up at any stage of Parkinson's — even early on. It's not tied to a specific stage, so the length of time you've had Parkinson's doesn't necessarily determine when it starts.

Here's what's happening in the body when swallowing becomes difficult:

- Parkinson's causes the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain
- This affects the complex muscle coordination needed to swallow
- It can impact everything from your mouth all the way down to your esophagus The good news is that swallowing difficulties are treatable! Here are some recommended steps:

- Talk to your neurologist — they can refer you to a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Ask about a swallow test — this helps pinpoint exactly where the problem is occurring
- Look into LSVT therapy — a MyParkinsonsTeam member shared that after two years of this treatment, they were "80 to 90 percent better"
- Adjust how you eat — smaller bites, sitting upright, and eating when your medication is most effective can all help

Don't wait on this one — it's worth bringing up with your doctor soon! 😊

August 8

Related Questions

View All

What is the worst thing about traveling with Parkinson’s Disease.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Colorado City, AZ
May 11, 2023