Parkinson's, diet, choking

My wife has problems of this sort so nothing is given until she sits up straight,you can’t eat in a recliner it just doesn’t go down well.
Hoping things go better

Yes, thanks, we have figured that out. I encourage him to "hard swallow" but he's a stubborn man, doesn't take well to my suggestions.

I am a retired dietitian w/Parkinson's. He needs to be evaluated by a speech therapist to assess what foods he can safely swallow. A registered dietitian can help to plan his diet for his nutritional needs.

He's been evaluated by Speech Therapy twice with swallow testing. He was given a couple of exercises and techniques for swallowing. He seems to get bits of food caught. He played the tuba for years and still has very strong throat muscles and somewhat small airway. Thank you for your reply.

I am also 85 with PD in addition to severe lumbar stenosis and a bone on bone knee scheduled for a partial replacement. I had a TKR on left knee 12 years ago. PD is absolutely NO fun. Getting so many "symptoms" I don't know which I hate worse. Whenever something else happens I check and sure enough Parkinson can cause or be a factor. First thing even before I was diagnosed I was living in a Senior Facility with 3 meals a day, yet I lost 20+ pounds in about a year. So first thing I discovered is PD can cause weight loss. Now I have more sleep problems (never had before) , constant mucus/phlegm going through boxes of tissue, scaly skin like dandruff on my head and forehead and behind my ears, coughing a lot, CONSTAPATION, stiffness, a little trouble swallowing occasionally. But with my backpain and knee pain, I tend to ignore these. Because pain meds, stenosis and PD can all cause constipation, I can't ignore that. There are over 40 symptoms' for PD. Usually starts with tremors, usually with one arm/hand.
I have gotten help from the Parkinson's Foundation, from various clinics online, from the UK. Initially when I signed up with Michael J Fox Foundation the first 3 emails I received were for plea for donations, bur since then I have attended online webinars and discussions which are helpful. The Parkinson's foundation gave me he names of local doctors specializing in PD. DIET, Yes there is a PD diet, but they also recommended the Mediterranean diet. There is a Parkinson's Protocol which is non medical, but eating all the right foods. There are list foods that provide dopamine, which is what you brain is missing and caused by PD.
Wish you all the best with the PD challenges.
Gary Matthews NC

Thank you Gary.

I like you PD severe reality....many of us are not "there" yet.

I've seem no mention of a PD diet or Protocal. You've help us all.
Ron Wolf...Oregon

The PD Protocol was developed by Jodi Knapp and has a book written for it. Book is on Amazon about $45, but I read a posting from someone who did it and was doing very well.
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After my diagnosis I researched for 2-3 days and gave up as nothing but bad news, However there are some very interesting things going on that gives hope. Exercise is stressed, like walking but I need a walker and can't walk vey far because of stenosis and sciatica. I inquired about clinical trials and waiting .
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Zhittya Genesis Medicine is developing a drug, fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), to possibly treat Parkinson's disease by growing new blood vessels in ischemic tissue in the brain.
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Also DBS, Deep Brain Stimulus.
search online
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https://www.parkinson-protocol.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwztOwBhD7ARIsAPDKnkA1xG-AVaRc7jBZJSVTfOkEh-Y0ibU-ggSKPfRYq-QsF6RhDpOPUCUaAqDiEALw_wc
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I was diagnosed last October, however my Dr. said I likely would have been diagnosed a least a year ago or longer as I had tremors for some time.

I will post my efforts as I move forward to my knee replacement in May. I plan to ask if I should get a bone density test because of my age and the possibility of PD causing bone problems.
I signed up for Thursday Webinars from MJ FOX Foundation which should be interesting.
I get Meals On Wheels but its a struggle with other meals and all household "duties". BUT I have an Angel who not only does MOW s Monday but stays for 2-3 hours and works in my apartment on EVERYTHING! bed, dishes, washer dryer, floors U name it So I am blessed to have her.
Sorry long post about my issues just kind of offering where I am and hope to be going. I was very active in sports, tennis, swimming and dancing.... all in the past, but might be able to dance with new knee and able to control back pain. Wish yall the best and we have to deal with what we have and stay positive. Later folks. Gary

Thanks for all that great information, Gary. I hope it all goes well for you. Speaking of dancing, our Rec Center in addition to Parkinsons Boxing also has Parkinsons Dancing. My husband attends the Boxing, not the dancing, but most of his fellow boxers do and they all enjoy it greatly. Perhaps it’s becoming more available in other areas. (We live in CO.)

Also, I wrote last year that my husband was having problems with curling toes which impacted his balance if he stood too long. His medication was increased but didn’t help and Botox was suggested. He has purchased Toe Separators which are helping so hopefully won’t need the Botox.

As always, I’m impressed with the generosity of this group in sharing information and dealing with this disease. Thanks.

I had swallowing trouble for years before PD. Had esophagus expanded and it worked for months. Always had back and neck trouble and saw a Chiropractor 2-3 times a month for 40 years. Went to an UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTOR. Extremely technical. He adjusted my ATLAS. 3 weeks later my swallowing was much better. 3 years now and no problems swallowing in that time. Also have only had my back and hips adjusted 1 time. It is a process that takes time, but has been well worth it. Good luck

Thank you for your post. My spouse went with me (his caregiver) to the YMCA in our city. He was awesome with his workouts. I tagged him to make sure the weights were correct. He boxed a few times ..but his balance issues stopped that. We went 3 times a week until the Pandemic arrived. It was centered on Parkinson's. We had great planned workouts and changes were made when needed. Some did well and some were further along. It really helped both of us. I actually said to my husband pretend you are hitting the Parkinsons when you box. He has had a really hard time since 2022. Parkinsons is the gift that keeps giving. He has other conditions as a result of Parkinsons. He has lost some mobility amongst other things. Everyday is either the same or more difficult. Perserverance is the only thing that keeps me going. Hugs to you both