Managing Dysphagia for People with Parkinson’s January 2026

Empowering Safer, More Enjoyable Mealtimes for People with Parkinson’s

This programme is designed to support individuals with Parkinson’s who experience swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), as well as their families and care partners. It provides practical guidance, proven strategies, and the latest clinical insights to help manage dysphagia confidently and safely.

What you will learn

• Understanding Dysphagia: Learn what dysphagia is, why it affects up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s, and how early assessment can make a significant difference.
• Assessment & Diagnosis: Discover the importance of early swallowing assessments and the role of Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) in identifying and managing symptoms.
• Diet & Nutrition: Get expert advice on modifying meal textures using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) scale, ensuring meals are both safe and nutritious.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Explore practical tips for creating a safe and enjoyable mealtime environment, including posture, pacing, and presentation of texture-modified foods.
• Oral Care & Safety: Learn essential mouth care routines to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia and maintain oral health.
• Social & Emotional Support: Find strategies for dining out, communicating needs, and maintaining quality of life, with a focus on empowering personal choice.
• Managing Drooling: Understand causes, effects, and management options for drooling, including exercises, dietary changes, and medical treatments.
• Nutrition Supplement formulaes: Information on nutritional supplement drinks and enteral (tube) feeding for those with advanced needs.
• Other gut conditions: how other gut conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease may impact dysphagia.

Who is the Programme for?

• For individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners and family members.

What is the Programme format?

• Cohort format: runs groups of up to 50 participants.
• Access: whenever you want over the 3 months.
• Self paced: go through the content at your own pace.
• Video based: content is delivered in short, concise video modules.
• Supporting content: content summaries with key takeaways.
• Evidence based: all content is researched and designed by registered dietitians.
• Video delivery: presented by a life like avatar.

What support is there?

• Support group: where you can get answers to your nutrition questions from our registered dietitians.
• A live webinar: where you can ask your questions. Recordings and notes are provided.
• Downloadable resources: including factsheets, workbooks, diaries, recipes, content summaries and more, yours to keep.
• Gut symptom severity score: assess how severe your symptoms are before and after you complete the content.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Based on the latest research and expert recommendations.
• Designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s and their support networks
• Focuses on the swallowing issues affecting people with Parkinson’s.
• Access to dietitians who specialise in Parkinson’s.
• Practical, easy-to-implement strategies for real-life challenges.
• Guidance for discussing personal needs with your doctor, nurse, or dietitian.

Take the first step towards managing swallowing health today. Join our Dysphagia Programme and start feeling better with Parkinson’s.