Just posting in response to the Q regarding dysphagia.

I was diagnosed with PD in 2010 by a movement disorder specialist an hour's drive from my home. In 2016 I had DBS and my tremors are now an afterthought. However, I now am dealing with dysphagia. I box 3 Xs a week, garden (which is a great excercise regimen) walk our dog and am socially active. Dysphagia is serious for me as via 2 barium swallow studies showed my dysphagia was 'moderate',This past month (May 2024) the more serious issue is an osteophyte from the top cervical vertebrate down the neck line (C3-C7) which narrows and impedes food/liquid intake. No realistic surgical options.

My diet is a level 6 which means that a squishy diet is best. Small bites, crushing meds if possible. Just starting with dysphagia. My speech is horrible and the best thing that I can say is that listening rather than contributing to group discussions is hard but really no options. Although I can sense food not passing through the speech pathologist said that it's not uncommon for the PD patient to not sense trapped food or meds.

Sooo, I guess that I'll become well-informed about dysphagia in the future and willing to answer Qs.

Scott

Neck Pain is common in Parkinson’s. It can occur at any stage.