Swallowing Made Safer: SwallowFIT Therapy Targets Parkinson’s Most Overlooked Danger

Swallowing problems may not be the first thing people think about when they hear “Parkinson’s disease”, but for many patients, they are among the most dangerous. Up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s struggle with dysphagia—difficulty swallowing—which can lead to choking, aspiration, malnutrition, and repeated lung infections. Now, a new Department of Defence–funded study aims to tackle this serious but often overlooked problem with a promising therapy designed to retrain and strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
UT Health San Antonio scientists launch innovative therapy study to help Parkinson’s patients swallow safely

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A $1.9 Million Push to Improve Swallowing in Parkinson’s Disease

The Department of Defence has awarded UT Health San Antonio researcher Giselle Carnaby, PhD, MPH, a three-year, $1.9 million grant to oversee a phase 2 multisite clinical trial. “SwallowFIT”, a novel, structured therapy programme designed to improve swallowing function in individuals with early Parkinson's disease, will be tested in this trial.

About 80 people with Parkinson's disease who are active-duty U.S. service members, veterans, or close relatives of service members between the ages of 30 and 90 will be enrolled in the upcoming randomised, double-blind clinical trial.

According to Carnaby, "This study represents an important step forward for people who struggle with swallowing disorders." "We are aware that these issues have a significant impact on independence and health, but there are still few options for treatment."

Why Parkinson’s Disease Disrupts Swallowing

Parkinson's disease is a long-term neurodegenerative condition that develops when the neurons of the brain that produce dopamine degenerate.

Though the majority of the population identifies Parkinson's disease as a condition associated with shaking, stiffening of the muscles, and slow movements, this disease also has effects and implications on the motor control of tongue, throat, and mouth muscles, which complicates the process of swallowing.

Swallowing, in turn, necessitates coordination of several brain areas and nearly thirty muscles. Nevertheless, brain channels that normally supply these muscles with accurate and timely signals degenerate in Parkinson's.

Carnaby puts it this way:
"The signals to the muscles can become haphazard, which can disrupt the timing and coordination of swallowing. It's like the brain's radio is slightly off the station."

Early Pilot Results Show Strong Improvements

The pilot study on the SwallowFIT programme produced impressive results for Parkinson's patients.

The participants reported better swallowing, reduced cases of choking and more confidence in eating. These findings prompted researchers to conduct a larger controlled trial. Three to six months postintervention, the participants will undergo follow-up on aspiration risk, swallowing measures, nutrition, hospitalisation, and alteration of swallowing physiology.

Because of the considerable amount of benefits manifested in the sections above, even though the control group did not receive therapy at the time of the research, SwallowFIT will be offered to them afterwards.

How the SwallowFIT Program Works

Neuroplasticity, or the brain's capacity to rewire itself, is the foundation of SwallowFIT. For six weeks, patients work with speech-language pathologists, attend twice-weekly sessions, and complete daily exercises at home. These focused exercises enhance timing and coordination while strengthening the tongue, mouth, and throat muscles. Recalibrating motor pathways to make swallowing safer, easier, and more effective is the aim.

One of the most dangerous side effects of Parkinson's disease is difficulty swallowing. SwallowFIT has the potential to become a standard therapy, preventing aspiration, malnourishment, and infections while boosting self-esteem and quality of life. For those with Parkinson's disease, this research offers genuine hope for safer eating and increased independence.

Reference:

1. UT Health San Antonio scientists launch innovative therapy study to help Parkinson’s patients swallow safely - (https://news.uthscsa.edu/ut-health-san-antonio-scientists-launch-innovative-therapy-study-to-help-parkinsons-patients-swallow-safely/)

Source-UT Health San Antonio