7. Difficulty in Swallowing – The Overlooked Danger in PDD
Difficulty in swallowing, known as dysphagia, is a common but often under-recognized symptom in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. Dysphagia in PDD arises from impairments in the coordinated muscle movements necessary for swallowing. This can affect all stages of the swallowing process, from the oral preparation of food to its passage down the esophagus.
The signs of dysphagia in PDD can vary depending on the stage of swallowing affected. Some patients may have difficulty chewing or controlling food in their mouth, leading to prolonged meal times.
Others may cough or choke during meals, indicating problems with food passage. Some may have recurrent chest infections, which can occur if food or drink enters the lungs, a condition known as aspiration. (7)
