Change in Oral Function—Chewing and Swallowing—in Patients with Parkinson Disease

Introduction: Normal swallowing is complex and dynamic neuromuscular activity that depends on a set of physiological behaviors that result in the efficient and safe movement of liquids and solids from the mouth to the stomach.

Objective: To describe changes in different phases of swallowing Parkinson disease.

Methods: This study is cross-sectional and descriptive. Patients from an outpatient department of movement disorders, with medical diagnosis of Parkinson disease, were invited to participate in the study. Patients included in the study underwent clinical evaluation of swallowing and the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale, identifying the stage of the disease.

Results: Twenty-four patients were included from January to December 2013; 13 patients (54%) had H&Y 2; and 11 patients (46%) had H&Y 3. Patients with H&Y 2, 8(61.5%) were male. The mean age was 63.4 years (45-81) and the mean disease duration was 7 years. In this sample, the average time of chewing was 19 seconds. Eight patients (62%) had abnormal swallowing. Patients with H&Y 3, seven patients (64%) were female. The mean age was 67.8 (46-84) and the mean disease duration was 13 years. In this sample, the average time of chewing was 23 seconds. Nine patients (82%) had abnormal swallowing.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate changes in chewing and swallowing, in a patient with Parkinson disease, these changes increase in people with longer disease and advanced stages.