Mon Dec 09 08:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Cloudy with Chance of Showers and Swallowing Difficulties in Parkinson’s Patients

**Los Angeles, CA (December 9, 2024)** – The National Weather Service predicts a cloudy day with an 80% chance of rain, beginning early and continuing into the afternoon. Highs will reach around 60°F, with southerly winds at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, expect overcast conditions with continued rain showers and a low of 58°F. Winds will be light and variable.

In other news, UCLA Health internists Dr. Eve Glazier and Dr. Elizabeth Ko addressed a reader’s question regarding the swallowing difficulties experienced by a friend with Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s is commonly associated with tremors and motor skill issues in the limbs, the doctors explained that the disease also affects muscles in the mouth and throat, leading to dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This can manifest as struggling to swallow, a feeling of food being stuck, coughing, gagging, and even regurgitation.

The doctors offered advice for hosting dinner guests with Parkinson’s and dysphagia, recommending soft, moist foods like stews, pureed soups, and grilled fish. They also suggested cutting food into smaller, manageable pieces and providing large napkins. Using larger spoons or even fingers can also make eating easier for those with motor control challenges. These small adjustments can significantly improve the dining experience for individuals with Parkinson’s disease while also minimizing the risk of aspiration.

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