Aspiration pneumonia is considered one of the three most likely causes of death in Parkinson's disease, so as frightening as it may be, it is important to know about it. This type of pneumonia occurs when food or drink enters the lungs. How can this happen? There are two ways: Firstly, while eating or drinking, when some of the food or liquid consumed goes “down the wrong tube”, which leads to coughing. If the cough is not enough, food and fluid can enter the lungs.