Mechanisms of airway protection dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease

The purpose of this research study is to determine the reasons why people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) develop problems swallowing and coughing, and how they change with disease progression. We have studied both swallowing and cough in PD for several years now, and we have identified that reduced sensation of breathing difficulty or change may be related to problems swallowing and coughing in people with PD.

For this study, we will be conducting several tests of swallowing, coughing, and breathing. We will do these tests 1 time per year for 3 years. Each study visit will last between 1.5 – 5 hours.

Study procedures

• Breathing tests will involve breathing forcefully and quickly several times through a mouthpiece connected to a computerized machine
• Cough tests will measure 2 types of cough: “reflex” and “voluntary” cough
• Swallowing test will involve swallowing thin liquid barium and pudding barium

Eligibility

• Ages 45-85 years
• Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages I-IV)

No history of: 

• Neurologic degenerative disease (besides Parkinson’s disease)
• Stroke
• Cancer of the head, neck, or lungs
• Breathing disorders (e.g., COPD, asthma)
• Allergy to capsaicin or hot peppers
• Smoking in the last 5 years