According to Gram Research analysis, a 2026 study of 97 people with Parkinson’s disease found that a simple 10-question eating survey (EAT-10) can identify swallowing problems with moderate to strong accuracy, showing correlation scores of 0.56-0.91 with actual swallowing difficulties observed on camera. However, the questionnaire should be used as a screening tool to guide further testing, not as a diagnostic test by itself. Larger bite sizes and thin liquids caused the most swallowing problems in this population.
A new study of 97 people with Parkinson’s disease examined how well a simple questionnaire called the EAT-10 can identify swallowing problems. Researchers used a special camera test called FEES to watch people swallow different types of food and drinks. They found that the EAT-10 questionnaire was pretty good at spotting when someone might have swallowing difficulties, but it shouldn’t be used as the only way to diagnose the problem. The study shows that larger bites and thinner liquids cause more swallowing trouble in Parkinson’s patients, and doctors should test people with different food consistencies to get the full picture.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 97 people with Parkinson’s disease found that EAT-10 questionnaire scores correlated with actual swallowing problems observed on camera with correlation scores ranging from 0.56 to 0.91 across different food types and amounts.
In a 2026 research article analyzing 97 Parkinson’s patients, thin liquids at 20 mL caused the highest rates of food entering the airway, while regular solid foods caused the most food to remain in the throat after swallowing.
A 2026 study of swallowing in 97 Parkinson’s disease patients found that larger bolus volumes were consistently associated with greater food remaining in the throat and higher rates of food entering the airway.
According to a 2026 analysis of 97 individuals with Parkinson’s disease, three independent raters reviewing swallowing camera recordings showed good agreement (0.58-0.87 reliability) when measuring food remaining in the throat and food entering the airway.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a 10-question eating survey (EAT-10) can accurately identify swallowing problems in people with Parkinson’s disease by comparing it to a camera test that directly shows how people swallow.
- Who participated: 97 people diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease who completed a swallowing questionnaire and underwent a specialized camera examination of their swallowing.
- Key finding: The EAT-10 questionnaire was moderately to strongly linked with actual swallowing problems seen on camera (correlation scores of 0.56-0.91), meaning people’s answers about eating difficulties matched what doctors observed during the camera test.
- What it means for you: If you have Parkinson’s and struggle with eating, the EAT-10 questionnaire can help your doctor decide if you need a camera test to look at your swallowing. However, the questionnaire alone cannot diagnose swallowing problems—it’s a screening tool, not a diagnosis tool.
The Research Details
Researchers recruited 97 people with Parkinson’s disease and had them complete a 10-question survey about eating difficulties (the EAT-10). Each person then underwent a FEES test, which uses a small flexible camera passed through the nose to watch how the throat muscles work during swallowing. Participants swallowed 10 different test portions with varying thicknesses (from thin liquids to solid foods) and sizes (5 mL to 20 mL, roughly a teaspoon to a tablespoon). Three independent clinicians watched the camera recordings and rated how much food remained in the throat after swallowing and whether any food entered the airway (penetration) or lungs (aspiration). The researchers then compared the questionnaire scores to the actual camera findings to see how well the questionnaire predicted real swallowing problems.
This research approach is important because many Parkinson’s patients have swallowing problems that go undetected. A simple questionnaire that accurately predicts who needs further testing could help doctors catch these problems earlier. However, the study also shows that testing with different food types and amounts is necessary because swallowing problems vary depending on what someone is eating.
The study used standardized testing methods (IDDSI guidelines for food preparation) and had three independent raters review the camera recordings to ensure consistency. The agreement between raters ranged from 0.58 to 0.87, which is considered acceptable to good reliability. The study was limited to people with Parkinson’s disease, so results may not apply to other conditions causing swallowing problems.
What the Results Show
The EAT-10 questionnaire showed moderate to strong correlations with actual swallowing problems observed on camera, with correlation scores ranging from 0.56 to 0.91 depending on the food type and amount tested. This means that people who reported more eating difficulties on the questionnaire generally had more visible swallowing problems when doctors watched them swallow on camera. The questionnaire was able to distinguish between people with and without swallowing impairments related to food remaining in the throat, food entering the airway, and food entering the lungs. Larger bite sizes consistently caused more problems—bigger swallows led to more food remaining in the throat and higher rates of food entering the airway. Thin liquids at 20 mL (about 4 teaspoons) caused the most problems with food entering the airway, while regular solid foods caused the most food to remain in the throat after swallowing.
Different areas of the throat showed different patterns of food remaining after swallowing. The vallecular (a pocket at the base of the tongue) had the most food remaining when people swallowed regular solid foods. The study confirmed that swallowing safety (preventing food from entering the airway) and swallowing efficiency (clearing food from the throat) are closely linked in Parkinson’s patients—when one gets worse, the other typically does too. Three independent raters reviewing the camera recordings showed good agreement with each other (0.58-0.87 reliability), suggesting the measurements were consistent and trustworthy.
Previous research has shown that Parkinson’s disease commonly affects swallowing, and that food thickness and amount matter. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that a simple patient questionnaire can help identify who needs further testing. However, the study emphasizes that the questionnaire should not replace the camera test, which provides detailed information about exactly where and how swallowing is failing.
The study only included people with Parkinson’s disease, so the results may not apply to other conditions. The study did not include a control group of people without Parkinson’s for comparison. The EAT-10 questionnaire, while helpful for screening, was not perfect at identifying all swallowing problems, meaning some people with real swallowing difficulties might have low questionnaire scores and vice versa. The study was conducted at a single time point, so it doesn’t show whether swallowing problems get worse over time.
The Bottom Line
If you have Parkinson’s disease and experience difficulty swallowing, coughing while eating, or feeling like food is stuck in your throat, discuss these symptoms with your doctor. The EAT-10 questionnaire can help your doctor decide if you need a FEES camera test for detailed evaluation. Doctors should test swallowing with different food thicknesses and amounts rather than relying on a single test, as problems vary significantly. Confidence level: Moderate to strong evidence supports using the EAT-10 as a screening tool, but comprehensive testing is needed for diagnosis.
People with Parkinson’s disease who have eating or swallowing concerns should pay attention to these findings. Healthcare providers managing Parkinson’s patients should consider using the EAT-10 questionnaire to identify who needs further swallowing evaluation. Speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) who treat swallowing disorders will find this information useful for assessment protocols. People should not use the EAT-10 alone to self-diagnose swallowing problems.
Swallowing problems in Parkinson’s can develop gradually or suddenly. If you notice new eating difficulties, report them to your doctor promptly. Improvement depends on the underlying cause and treatment approach, which your healthcare team can discuss with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the EAT-10 questionnaire diagnose swallowing problems in Parkinson’s disease?
The EAT-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A 2026 study of 97 Parkinson’s patients found it correlated well with actual swallowing problems (0.56-0.91), but doctors need a camera test (FEES) to definitively diagnose swallowing impairments and determine their severity.
What types of food cause the most swallowing problems in Parkinson’s disease?
A 2026 study of 97 Parkinson’s patients found that thin liquids at larger volumes (20 mL) caused the most food to enter the airway, while regular solid foods caused the most food to remain in the throat. Larger bite sizes consistently worsened both problems.
Should I get a camera swallowing test if I have Parkinson’s and difficulty eating?
If you experience coughing while eating, feeling like food is stuck, or difficulty swallowing, discuss it with your doctor. The EAT-10 questionnaire can help your doctor decide if a FEES camera test is needed for detailed evaluation and personalized treatment planning.
How reliable are the measurements doctors use to assess swallowing problems?
A 2026 study found that three independent raters reviewing swallowing camera recordings showed good agreement (0.58-0.87 reliability) when measuring food remaining in the throat and food entering the airway, suggesting these measurements are consistent and trustworthy.
Does swallowing efficiency affect swallowing safety in Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. A 2026 study of 97 Parkinson’s patients found that swallowing efficiency (clearing food from the throat) and swallowing safety (preventing food from entering the airway) are strongly linked—when one worsens, the other typically does too.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily eating incidents: note the time, food type/thickness, whether coughing occurred, and difficulty level (1-10 scale). Record which foods cause the most problems and share patterns with your doctor.
- Use the app to log the EAT-10 questionnaire responses weekly and track changes over time. Set reminders to eat slowly and take smaller bites, especially with thin liquids and solid foods identified as problematic.
- Create a food tolerance log within the app documenting which consistencies (thin liquids, thick liquids, soft foods, regular solids) cause coughing, choking sensations, or difficulty. Share monthly summaries with your healthcare provider to guide swallowing management adjustments.
This article summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. The EAT-10 questionnaire is a screening tool only and cannot diagnose swallowing disorders. If you have Parkinson’s disease and experience swallowing difficulties, coughing while eating, or choking sensations, consult your healthcare provider or speech-language pathologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat based on questionnaire results alone. Always seek professional medical evaluation for swallowing concerns, as untreated swallowing problems can lead to serious complications including aspiration pneumonia.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
