How Give Medication to Parkinson's Patient

According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, at least 50 percent of all Parkinson's patients lose their ability to swallow normally. They lose control of the muscles in their mouth and throat, their tongue and jaw muscles become weakened and the mechanism that causes them to automatically swallow saliva is disrupted, making it difficult to take medications.

Relaxation Techniques

• When Parkinson's patients have trouble swallowing, medication time may cause anxiety. Being tense makes swallowing even more difficult, so it's important to help the patient relax before administering medications. Deep breathing exercises may help to relax the muscles in the esophagus. The patient should take slow deep breaths and visualize being able to swallow without difficulty. Sometimes it helps to play soft music or dim the lighting.

Posture

• Parkinson's patients should sit upright at a 90-degree angle when taking medications. Tilting the head back when swallowing pills is not recommended, because it may increase the likelihood of fluid getting into the lungs. The head should be leaned slightly forward with the chin pointing toward the chest, which helps move the medication to the back of the throat. After taking medicine, Parkinson's patients should stay upright for at least 30 minutes.

Medication Schedule

• In most cases, oral medication that regulates the level of dopamine to the brain is the method for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movement, and delaying a dosage by as little as 15 minutes may cause the symptoms to worsen for several hours. Therefore, sticking to a medication timetable is crucial for Parkinson's patients. It is also important to correlate medication with food intake, as dopamine should not be taken within 30 minutes of eating protein. Be aware of how food interacts with all medications, and plan accordingly.

Medication Adjustments

• Have the doctor review the patient's medication list to determine if any of them can be reduced or discontinued. Ask the pharmacist which, if any, of the medications are available in liquid form. Going from a pill to a liquid will probably require dosage and timing adjustments, but many patients find the liquids easier to swallow. Some tablets may be broken into smaller pieces to facilitate easier swallowing, and capsules can sometimes be opened and the granules sprinkled into a spoonful of applesauce or yogurt. Never break pills or open capsules without first consulting the pharmacist.

Speech and Swallowing Therapy

• If swallowing problems are severe, the patient may need to undergo therapy with a trained professional. A speech therapist can teach the patient techniques that make swallowing safer, and can show him exercises that will help the muscles in the throat and esophagus function more efficiently. Such therapy may help slow the rate of decline in swallowing function and improve the patient's ability to take medication.