Hi Robert,

There was a study done at the University of Florida in 2010 with a device for  Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) which they found improved swallowing and breathing for some people with Parkinson’s in the clinical trial. That lessens the chance of aspiration and choking.

The device is available from Aspire Products LLC and is reasonably priced:

http://aspireproducts.org/products.html  

There is also a downloadable user manual – I have ordered one – just more muscles to exercise!

Patricia

Response:

This certainly looks like a useful solution for a potentially life threatening problem. The therapy involves inserting a device into your mouth (while closing your nose) to exercise the muscles necessary to swallow safely and avoid choking.

The website is informative, though I note that there is no person or company name listed. The price of the product is reasonable.

This is the first I have heard about this product. Any other experiences with using it out there?

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com