Impact of Dysphagia Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Dammam Medical Complex

2 Batterjee Medical College

3 Medical University of Lodz

4 ‎‏King Khalid University

5 ‎‏King Salman Hospital

6 ‎‏Maastricht University, Netherlands

7 King Faisal University

8 Arabian Gulf University

9 King Abdulaziz University

10 Northern Border University

11 Qatief Central Hospital

10.12816/0041527

Abstract

Background:   Dysphagia is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) which indicates a difficulty in swallowing. It has been accompanied with poor quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression.
Aim of the Study:  to assess the effects of dysphagia treatment in Parkinson’s disease.
Materials and methods: Studies published up to July 2017 were found via a systematic comprehensive electronic database search using   PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library.Two reviewers independently assessed the studies using strict inclusion criteria. Results: Thirteen studies were enrolled in the present study and qualitatively analyzed using critical appraisal items. The review includes rehabilitative (exercises, electrical stimulation, bolus modification etc.) and pharmacologic treatment. Some well-designed controlled trials were included. However, none of the included studies fulfilled all criteria for external and internal validity. Thus, a meta-analysis was not carried out as most of the studies were not of sufficient quality. Conclusion: Rehabilitative treatment including Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) may be effective for dysphagia treatment solely coupled with dopaminergic therapy for PD.  Recently developed other treatment methods such as implant-prosthodontic treatment and percutaneous injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A in the cricopharyngeal muscle on dysphagia is rather promising. Nevertheless, these preliminary results warrant further investigation concerning their clinical applicability, and further research should be conducted.
 
 

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