Simple clinical tests may predict severe oropharyngeal dysphagia in Parkinson's disease.

Objective: To determine if simple screening tests can predict severe oropharyngeal dysphagia in subjects with Parkinson's disease.

Methodology: Forty-five subjects (26 females) of average age 75 (range: 65-94) who were classified as Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 to 5 were enrolled. The presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia was assessed by a symptom questionnaire, 50 ml water swallowing test and videofluroscopic swallowing study.