a. Does dysphagia influence the prognosis of the PD? Statements are based on core literature consisting of Class I [12, 14, 126], II [13, 120–122, 124], and III[125, 131] and IV [113, 130, 132] level studies and expert opinion.  The presence of dysphagia negatively influences the prognosis of patients with PD.  The presence of dysphagia, and more specifically, anterograde aspiration in the lungs is strongly correlated to a higher risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia.  Poor oral care, load of comorbidities and cognitive impairment are possibly associated to a worse prognosis in dysphagic PD patients.

b. What factors or associated conditions can influence the prognosis of dysphagia in PD?  Long duration and greater severity of PD has a negative impact on the swallowing function.  An impaired cough response has a negative impact on dysphagia severity.