For adults with CP, eating and drinking can present challenges because CP can affect the way that muscles contract, the opening and closing of the mouth, and the movement of the lips and the tongue. Some may have difficulty with chewing and swallowing (dysphagia), and saliva control can also be an issue.

You can also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux (where acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus/food pipe), which makes eating uncomfortable or painful. This may be improved with medication or by adjusting your sitting position and posture.

Management of any eating and drinking difficulties will support your respiratory health, improve nutrition, maximise your independence and support social connections.

Throughout your adulthood, you should monitor any eating and drinking difficulties. Your healthcare team, including a physiotherapist, dietician and speech pathologist, will help you make sure you are continuing to receive the right nutrition and to reduce the risk of problems, such as aspiration (accidentally inhaling food or drink).

Some suggestions to help you with this include:

• improving your posture while you are eating
• modifying food and fluid textures so they are easier to swallow
• using feeding techniques and equipment
• therapies to improve oral-motor skills and reduce the risk of aspiration.

One of the main challenges facing older people with CP is making sure they are eating enough nourishing food to maintain a healthy weight, and if possible have a little extra weight stored for times of illness or stress.

Along with the difficulties eating and drinking that are related to their CP, they can develop other problems, such as missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures, sore gums or ulcers, and weakened facial muscles.

Having the best possible diet can improve wound healing, help to preserve bone mass, muscle mass and strength (which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures), and support wellbeing.