The Urgency of Identifying the Ten Diseases That Cause Difficulty in Swallowing

2. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system. More specifically, it affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine—a chemical responsible for relaying messages that plan and coordinate movement. As a result, the condition often leads to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. Over time, an individual may also lose control of the throat muscles, which can cause difficulty swallowing. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's. However, there are several ways to manage the disease, including medication and surgery.

LPETTET / Getty Images