When someone with Parkinson's can no longer swallow, several serious issues can arise:

- Dry Mouth and Dehydration: Difficulty swallowing can lead to a dry mouth and dehydration
- Malnutrition: Inability to swallow can result in malnutrition due to insufficient nutrient intake.
- Aspiration: There's a risk of inhaling Show Full Answer

When someone with Parkinson's can no longer swallow, several serious issues can arise:

- Dry Mouth and Dehydration: Difficulty swallowing can lead to a dry mouth and dehydration.
- Malnutrition: Inability to swallow can result in malnutrition due to insufficient nutrient intake.
- Aspiration: There's a risk of inhaling food, liquid, or saliva into the windpipe, which can cause choking and potentially lead to aspiration pneumonia.
- Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss is common as people may eat less due to swallowing difficulties.

It's crucial to inform a neurologist about these issues, who may refer the patient to a speech-language pathologist for specialized treatment.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyParkinsonsTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

How To Manage Difficulty Swallowing in Parkinson’s | MyParkinsonsTeam