ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to highlight the importance of the roles of the speech and language therapist, dietician and dentist in the team approach to the management of the person with Parkinson's disease. Speech, swallowing and drooling difficulties are responsible for some of the most embarrassing, upsetting and socially isolating effects of Parkinson's disease (PD). The chapter addresses practical aspects of assessment and management of these difficulties from the speech and language therapist's viewpoint. It focuses on the practical issues relating to the investigation and management of swallowing disorders in PD. Assessment of the three phases of the swallowing process (oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal) needs to be tailored to the individual's needs. The starting point for management of dysphagia is an explanation of the normal swallowing mechanism, using pictures of oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal stages, and how PD affects swallowing.
