Article Abstract:
There is not much evidence that tube feeding improves the health of demented patients and it may actually be harmful. The most common method of feeding demented patients who cannot eat is to give them a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. This tube delivers liquid food directly into the stomach. However, researchers who did a literature search could find no evidence that tube feeding is beneficial and it may even be hazardous. The best approach may be careful hand feeding if the patient will allow it. Tube feeding should be considered only when necessary.
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Article Abstract:
Many patients with dementia may receive inappropriate care when they are hospitalized. A study published in 2000 found that dementia patients who develop pneumonia or fracture their hip have higher mortality rates than non-demented patients with pneumonia or a hip fracture. Yet many of the patients with dementia did not have an advance directive stating which treatments should be withheld. On the other hand, only 24% of the demented patients were receiving medication for pain.
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Article Abstract:
The article discusses the case of a 93-year old man with advance dementia and eating problems to understand the problems with advanced dementia and suggest an effective approach.
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