Who has difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules?
Young and old alike may find tablets or capsules hard to swallow, but some people are more likely to find it difficult than others: Older people – around 60% of people over 60 have struggled to take solid medicines like tablets or capsules at some time [1] Dry mouth –getting older can mean less saliva in the mouth which makes swallowing tablets more difficult. Also some medicines can cause mouth dryness. Stroke – after having a stroke, many people have swallowing difficulties at least for the first few months. In the early stages of stroke, nearly 80% of patients will have some sort of swallowing problem [2] Other diseases – such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Motor Neurone disease can all affect a person’s ability to swallow solid medicines, for example around 50% of people with Parkinson’s disease will have some difficulty with swallowing [3] Diabetes – people with long term diabetes may develop some degree of swallowing problems Throat or neck problems – tumours or radiotherapy in
