Enteral Feeding Tubes Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Feeding Tubes for Dementia Patients: When and Which Ones?

For anyone dealing with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia, the further the disease advances, the tougher care decisions become. Advanced forms of dementia can require 24/7 care. Early on, medical choices for later care can be made with family members. The latter stages of these diseases require important decisions, and one of the toughest is deciding whether or not to insert a feeding tube for nutritional requirements. While it may seem cut and dry, it may not be appropriate for every dementia patient. We have all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not you want to choose a feeding tube.  

What Is a Feeding Tube?  

A dementia diagnosis comes with a potentially long and uncertain path ahead. As dementia progresses into the later stages, patients often develop difficulty swallowing or eating. This is when the decision to insert a feeding tube is required.  

Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG) is a feeding tube that can be inserted in patients with dementia. This surgery connects a tube to the stomach through the abdomen, and nutritional liquid is pumped through the tube into the stomach. Often, patients with advanced Alzheimer's or dementia have a diminished ability to swallow, leading to aspiration pneumonia, as you can imagine…not a good diagnosis. Normally, antibiotics would be administered to deal with pneumonia, and an evaluation by a therapist will determine if the patient might want to consider a feeding tube.  

Yes or No… It's Not That Simple  

A dietitian or a speech therapist can determine if advanced dementia patients have diminished swallowing ability and possibly insufficient nutritional intake. It would be best to work with doctors, nurses, and therapists when making this decision.  

What factors should you consider when inserting a feeding tube or not? Some pros and cons include: 

 

The decision to insert a feeding tube or not is often thought of as "giving up on a loved one." Research has shown no statistical difference in life expectancy between those who have opted for a feeding tube and those without. If you opt for inserting a feeding tube, we can point to these great options: 

Where can you buy feeding tubes for dementia patients?

The decision to insert a feeding tube or not can be incredibly difficult and heartbreaking. Loved ones and caregivers often see the decision to bypass feeding tubes as giving up. The conclusion they need to make is whether or not a feeding tube increases life expectancy and quality of life. If you opt for a feeding tube, visit HPFY for all your feeding tube or PEG nutritional needs. Often, patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia make end-of-life decisions early on with the consultation of doctors and family members. A feeding tube may be one of those decisions.

 

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