Abstract Purpose: To determine the association between oral praxis and swallowing function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Materials and Methods: A total of 18 participants with PD and age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were recruited for the study. A comprehensive oral praxis assessment and swallow function evaluation were conducted using the Gugging Swallow Screen (GUSS), Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (ToMASS), and the Kannada version of the dysphagia handicap index (DHI-K). Results: The performance on oral praxis tasks was significantly lower in the PD group as compared to the healthy controls. Similarly, individuals with PD exhibited difficulties in swallowing as revealed on the GUSS; however, the results were variable, given different bolus consistencies. The masticatory functions, which were measured using the ToMASS, were found to be deviant as compared to the control group. The self-reported swallow abilities on the DHI-K highlighted the presence of dysphagia in PD. Furthermore, these measures were found to be associated with the stages of PD. The association between oral praxis and swallowing function was found to be variable across tasks and stages of PD. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the interaction between oral motor control and praxis, swallow functions, and disease severity in PD. Early detection and management of impairment of voluntary actions, such as oral praxis and swallowing, in individuals with PD may aid in regulating the rapid course of the disease.
Mallika et al. (Tue,) studied this question.