Hi everyone,
My 79 year old dad was diagnosed with PD about two years ago. He lives alone and stays very fit by walking a lot. Just lately though he has begun to have difficulty swallowing. We went out for breakfast and he got some food stuck and nearly choked.
His memory is also rapidly declining and I am worried about him being alone , but I work full time and I have a daughter with severe OCD who lives with me. It all feels very overwhelming.
Hi @Chloe1, welcome to the forum. Thank you for sharing your note.
It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of worry at the moment, trying to support your dad while balancing work and caring responsibilities at home. Many people on this forum recognise how challenging that can feel.
Changes with swallowing and memory can be frightening to witness, so it may help to let your dad’s Parkinson’s nurse or GP know what’s been happening, especially after the choking incident, so they’re aware and can look at what support might be helpful for him.
In case helpful for you, we have information about eating and swallowing on this link: www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/symptoms/non-motor/eating-swallowing-managing-saliva
You’re not expected to manage everything on your own. If you’d like to talk things through, our advisers can listen and help you explore support options for both you and your dad. You can reach us on freephone 0808 800 0303, or find out how more ways we can help on www.parkinsons.org.uk/support/talk-to-us
Sending our warmest wishes
The Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team 
Hi Chloe1,
Yes, it does sound over overwhelming, I’m so sorry.
Unfortunately the swallowing is one of the side effects of PD, because the muscles start weakening.
Your dad must take smaller bites, and swallow ‘slower’. I know it sounds crazy, but it works.
The declining memory can also be a symptom, however that is linked to Altzehimers.
You will find that recent/newer aspects are forgotten over and over as the short term memory is affected.
However long term memory of what happened some time ago, is still there.
And yes, exercise is one of the most important aspects of PD. It really does help slowing the disease down.
I’m sorry I cannot help more.
However the moderators are there to help as much as they can.