Speech, Swallow, and Communication Series: Swallowing and Saliva Management (2021)

During this webinar, Jasmine Cload, a speech-language pathologist, underscored the significance of speech pathology services in addressing communication and swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's disease. She highlighted the prevalence of such challenges and stressed the need for early intervention and treatment, alongside optimal medication management.

In the discussion about swallowing issues in Parkinson's disease, Jasmine emphasized how muscle dysfunction can lead to food and liquid passing the wrong way, alongside reduced cough reflex. Regarding saliva management, she emphasized the risks associated with both dry mouth and drooling, emphasizing strategies such as texture modifications and good oral hygiene to mitigate these risks.

Furthermore, the talk delved into strategies for managing excessive saliva and dry mouth in Parkinson's disease, including measures like sweatbands, medication adjustments, and Botox injections to regulate saliva production. For dry mouth, recommendations involved the use of oral lubricants, gum, and ice chips.

The talk also covered various swallowing and speech-related issues, such as phlegm-related choking, pureed food recipes, throat discomfort, and voice difficulties, stressing the necessity of tailored assessments and seeking guidance from a speech pathologist for these concerns.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**