Analysis of resources assisting in coping with swallowing difficulties for patients with Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Malnutrition induced by swallowing difficulties (SD) impairs the quality of life and gives rise to SD-related costs in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. With results of a swallowing difficulty questionnaire and data of resources specifically obtained such as SD-related costs, caregivers, and dietary therapies, this study is to suggest statistically supported ideas for improvements in arrangements for how participants cope with SD and maintain general well-being.

Methods: We interviewed 237 PD patients.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Socioeconomic Systems Supporting Outpatients With Parkinson's Disease in Japan.

Objectives: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the socioeconomic systems supporting outpatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in Japan.

Methods: The study was performed in 2013 at two private hospitals and one clinic in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. A survey was conducted with 248 consecutive PD patients, and the data from 237 PD outpatients were analyzed after excluding 11 patients who did not meet inclusion criteria.