Suggestions for Parkinson's diet with choking issues?

Posted by mary42 @mary42, Mar 31, 2024

My husband, 85 years old, with Parkinson's, diagnosed about 7 years ago. He has other neurological issues stemming from a slip and fall in 2008. He can still walk to the bathroom with his walker but otherwise lives in his recliner 23 hours a day. He will not exercise. His current issue is choking on food. I use Thick It in liquids which has helped a lot. He has started refusing potatoes, noodles and rice. Meats seem to be the most frequent problem. He'll cough and clear his throat repeatedly trying to dislodge bits of food. I can't seem to even offer him a healthy diet. Canned fruit and meatloaf work pretty well. I'm going to start him on daily protein drinks. I would appreciate any suggestions from those of you dealing with this issue.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Jan 26 5:13pm

My spouse has a paralyzed vocal cord as well. Thank you for the info.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 26 6:08pm

In reply to @sillyblone "My spouse has a paralyzed vocal cord as well. Thank you for the info." + (show)

You're most welcome! This is a great forum for sharing experiences, @sillyblone. Keep me posted on how he is doing.

sillyblone | @sillyblone | Jan 27 10:29pm

In reply to @hopeful33250 "You're most welcome! This is a great forum for sharing experiences, @sillyblone. Keep me posted on..." + (show)

He really has a hard time getting rid of mucous. Coughing more. I encourage water. He is stubborn..but, he realizes that I am informed when I make a decision and always try to let him know that I am his best partner and wife. I try to keep several steps ahead of potential problems. I have heard how much he loves me in the last 24 hours. Good day indeed. Thank you for your insight and interest. 🫂

jatonlouise | @jatonlouise | Feb 9 10:27am

My neurologist referred me to a spech therapist. I wondered why but discovered that the muscles you use to sing, and talk are the same muscles you use to swallow. So the speech therapist has exercises that can help you swallow, and things you can do when you are having difficyult swallowing. Some of the exercises seem silly and indeed they are. On of them involves putting some water in a bottle, taking a sute - larger that a straw, and blowing bubles and singing into the tube. Things that might get you sent to your room when you were a kid and did that at the dinner table. Try toget to a speech therapist.