The Role of Hydration in Managing Swallowing Disorders with Parkinson's Disease
Written by: Bonnie Slavych, Speech-Language Pathologist
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it becomes even more important if you or a loved one has Parkinson's Disease (PD) and is experiencing swallowing difficulties. Proper hydration can significantly affect swallowing function, making it easier and safer. Here's how you can effectively manage fluid intake.
Understanding Hydration Needs
In PD, swallowing problems can make it hard to drink enough fluids throughout the day. This can lead to dehydration, which further complicates health and can exacerbate symptoms of PD, such as fatigue and constipation.
Tips for Enhancing Hydration
Set Regular Reminders: Keep water accessible and set reminders to take sips throughout the day. Small, frequent sips may be better than trying to drink large amounts at once, especially if swallowing is difficult.
Modify Liquid Textures: If swallowing liquids is challenging, you might consider using thickeners available at pharmacies. These can adjust the texture of the liquid, making it easier to control and swallow without feeling like you’re choking. However, before thickening your liquids, I recommend speaking with your healthcare provider and consulting with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in swallowing. This step ensures that any adjustments to your diet are safe and tailored to your specific needs.
Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, can contribute to your daily fluid intake and are also easier to eat if they’re pureed or mashed. It's also important to be mindful of the little strings or fibers you might encounter in these foods. If you're having difficulty swallowing, these small, fibrous parts can pose safety risks. Carefully preparing these foods by removing such elements can help avoid any complications.
Use Tools and Aids: Cups with lids or special spouts, or even using straws, can help control the flow of liquids, making drinking easier and reducing the risk of aspiration.
Creating a Hydration Plan
Monitor Fluid Intake: Keep a daily log of how much liquid is consumed to ensure that the hydration goals are met. This is where caregivers can really help by tracking intake and making adjustments as necessary. Additionally, you can provide this daily log to your healthcare provider, dietitian, and speech therapist if you need extra support or adjustments to your hydration plan.
Consult with Health Professionals: Speak with a dietitian or a speech therapist about personalized strategies to maintain hydration. A dietitian can guide you on how much fluid you need daily, while a speech therapist can offer specific advice based on your swallowing challenges. I recommend seeking out a speech therapist who specializes in swallowing disorders. While all speech therapists are trained in aspects of swallowing, not all specialize in it, and a specialist will provide the most tailored and effective guidance.
Adjust to Needs: Everyone’s needs can vary, especially with the progression of PD. Be flexible and adjust hydration strategies as required.
Supporting Each Other
Educate and Empower Caregivers: As a caregiver, understanding how to support someone with their hydration can prevent many complications. Take time to learn the best ways to encourage fluid intake and recognize signs of dehydration.
Communication is Key: Regular communication between you, your caregivers, and your healthcare team is essential to manage hydration effectively. If there are new challenges or if certain strategies are no longer effective, it's important to discuss these changes.
Stay Proactive
It's important to stay proactive about hydration. Regularly review what's working and what isn't, and always be ready to try new strategies to ensure sufficient daily fluid intake. With thoughtful management, you can lessen many of the swallowing difficulties associated with PD, leading to a better quality of life.