The investigators will study the effects of a four-week intensive swallowing rehabilitation program in PwPD, over a 2 year period. The program will involve daily practice of the effortful swallowing maneuver, with swallowing function assessed before and after the treatment program using videofluoroscopic x-rays.~Expected outcomes: In other populations, the effortful swallow has shown to address two mechanisms that are thought to underlie swallowing impairment in Parkinson Disease: slowness in achieving airway protection and weakness in muscles responsible for transporting food through the throat. The investigators expect that repeated practice of this maneuver by PwPD will lead to improved airway protection and improved clearance of residue from the throat.
Context: Many people with Parkinson Disease (PwPD) experience swallowing difficulties, particularly with food/liquid going down the wrong way or remaining in the throat after swallowing. Prior studies suggest that exercise-based treatments targeting swallowing strength may be effective in reducing these difficulties.~Research question: Does an exercise-based treatment involving the effortful swallow maneuver improve swallowing function in PwPD?~Study plan: The investigators will study the effects of a four-week intensive swallowing rehabilitation program in PwPD, over a 2-year period.