Doctors Concerned About Parkinson’s After Mino Monta’s Choking Incident

Swallowing function is impaired

“Parkinson’s disease leads to a deficiency of dopamine in the brain, which disrupts the coordination of muscles involved in swallowing. As a result, swallowing disorders can progress, making it difficult to properly ingest food and liquids. Foods that are hard and high in fat, like grilled meat, pose a particular risk for patients with impaired swallowing function and can lead to choking incidents like this one,” said Dr. Goto.

Moving forward, adjustments in eating habits and support from those around him will be necessary to ensure safe and enjoyable meals.

“When eating, certain precautions are important. First, food should be cut into small pieces and cooked to be soft. Hard or greasy foods become difficult to swallow, so avoiding them as much as possible is recommended.

Additionally, meals should not be rushed—take time to eat slowly. Each bite should be small to prevent strain on the throat. After finishing a meal, it’s crucial to check for any leftover food in the throat. If there is any residue, drinking a little water or keeping the mouth clean is important,” he added.

We hope to continue hearing Mino’s trademark wit and energy for years to come.