Inserting a feeding tube does not prolong or improve quality of life in patients with advanced dementia. If the resident has been declining in health with recurrent and progressive illnesses, they may be nearing the end of their life and will not benefit from feeding tube placement. Feeding tubes are often placed because of fears that patients may aspirate food or become malnourished. Studies show that tube feeding does not make the patient more comfortable or reduce suffering. Tube feeding may cause fluid overload, diarrhea, abdominal pain and discomfort/injury (from the tube itself). A tube can actually increase the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. Helping people eat, rather than tube feeding, is a better way to feed patients who have advanced dementia and feeding difficulties.
Conditions: Dementia, aspiration pneumonia
Procedures: Feeding tube
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