Can changes in swallowing be assessed using ultrasound?
People with Parkinson’s can experience changes in swallowing. A PhD student is developing a new way to assess these issues using ultrasound. Ultrasound could identify and treat problems earlier, and help researchers see how Parkinson’s affects swallowing.
20 people with Parkinson’s who:
• Have noticed any changes in eating, drinking, or swallowing. This could include taking longer at meal times, difficulty managing saliva, or more effort needed for swallowing pills. Please consider taking part even if you are unsure if you have experienced changes.
• Live within NHS Grampian (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray)
• Can travel to a local research site
Unfortunately, people with other neurological conditions like dementia are unable to take part.
Attending an hour-long session at a local research site which will be arranged by the research team. The session will involve:
• Wearing a headset with an ultrasound probe placed under the chin (similar to a pair of headphones). See the headset in this YouTube video.
• Drinking water and eating custard
• Completing short surveys about swallowing and the imaging tool
For more information, please read the participant information sheet
Travel costs will be reimbursed up to £20
Interested in taking part?
Able to attend Aberdeen Royal Infirmary?
Book a time directly using Calendly.
Or to arrange a place nearer to you:
Parkinson's Swallowing ultrasound study sign-up – Fill in the Microsoft form
Please contact Gemma Cartney by email at [email protected] or by phone/text at 07864 896 328 if you have any further questions.
The deadline for taking part in this research is 27 November 2026.
Queen Margaret University
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Foresterhill Health Campus
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZN
United Kingdom
Chalmers Hospital
Banff
AB451JA
United Kingdom
Or to arrange another site in NHS Grampian:
Parkinson's Swallowing ultrasound study sign-up – Fill in the Microsoft form