Swallowing Awareness Day is on 13 March 2024. To help raise awareness about how swallowing issues impact people living with MND we are giving away a free food mould to the first 15 people who contact the MND Info Line.
Humans swallow between 500-700 times a day. Most of the time, we are not aware we are doing it. We even swallow in our sleep. When the ability to swallow is comprised there are a range of physical, emotional and psychological impacts.
For people living with MND, swallowing food, liquids, medications and saliva can become difficult. Difficulty swallowing is known as dysphagia, and it is a common symptom of MND. Around two thirds of people with MND will experience dysphagia.
Difficulty swallowing can be uncomfortable. It can cause dribbling due to poor lip seal and it can cause coughing, choking and the sensation of having food stuck in your throat. Physical impacts include weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration. People may also experience changes to the way they desire food and their sense of food enjoyment. Participation in social and community events where food and drink are shared can also be impacted.
When to access support
For people living with MND we recommend being assessed by a speech pathologist and a dietitian soon after diagnosis. If you notice changes to the way you swallow and chew or changes to your saliva, ask for a reassessment as soon as possible. You should also seek advice if you have noticed that it is taking more effort to chew, mealtimes are getting longer or if you are coughing while you are eating.
A speech pathologist and dietitian can provide advice about food consistency, aids and devices, swallowing techniques and nutritional needs.
How can food preparation make swallowing easier?
Changing the consistency of foods can make it easier to swallow. Water can also be modified with a thickener, so it is easier to drink. With the support from your speech pathologist and dietitian, there are a number of different food consistencies you can try.
For people who find pureed food easier to eat, using a food mould can help make food more desirable. You simply pour the pureed food into the mould, freeze it and then heat it up. Food moulds come in a range of shapes including red meats, poultry, veggies and fruit.
Check out this video from the MND Association UK about modifying food and using food moulds. The video has some handy tips and the page has a recipe guide with some yummy modified meal ideas.
Get Your Free Food Mould
We have 15 food moulds to give away, valued at around $25 each.
All you need to do is contact us at the MND Info Line on 1800 777 175 or
You are eligible to participate if you are accessing a service of MND NSW. This includes if you are a carer of a person living with MND and are signed up to our carer program.
More informaiton
- Speech Pathology Australia: Swallowing Awareness Day 2024
- MND NSW: Swallowing and MND