Like the larger muscles of the body, the muscles involved in chewing, eating and swallowing are also affected by Parkinson's disease. Dysphagia is the term used to describe swallowing difficulty. When a person has a swallowing disorder, there is the danger that food and/or liquid will enter the lungs rather than the stomach. This process is called aspiration. Aspiration can cause pneumonia and also make it difficult for the patient to meet the necessary nutritional needs.

BAPTIST HEALTH Rehabilitation Institute utilizes an interdisciplinary team, led by the Speech-Language Pathologist, to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with dysphagia. No two patients are exactly alike in their swallowing problem. Each patient has an individualized treatment plan developed after a careful, detailed assessment of their swallowing. This assessment may include performing a swallow x-ray, called an oropharyngeal videofluoroscopic examination. Treatment may include changing the patient's head or body position during the swallow, or changing the types of food and liquids the patient eats and drinks. Other treatment techniques may include the patient learning new ways of swallowing and the use of swallowing exercises.

The professionals at BHRI have the training and expertise to assess a swallowing disorder and determine the proper treatment regimen for each individual.