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Tube Feeding (Fluids and Food) |
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 The
feeding and the dementia patient
Increased difficulty with eating and swallowing is one of the signs
that an Alzheimer's patient has moved into the final stages of the
disease. He or she may tend to choke on food and drink, running the
risk of a respiratory infection. He or she may lose interest in food
or forget how to swallow. These signs mark the end of a very sad and
long disease process. By this point the patient is totally dependent
on others for care, incontinent, unable to recognize family or to
speak intelligibly and failing to thrive.
Some may choose to treat the reduction in food and fluid intake with
a feeding tube. Family, doctors, or nurses may say they do not want
the patient to "starve" to death. Providing tube feeding is certainly
an acceptable way to provide care.
However, the patient isn't feeling any hunger. The dying is part of
a very tragic disease, and the inability to eat is an expected part
of its last stages. Inserting a tube will not stop the progression
of the fatal disease, though it might prolong or hasten the dying
process. Since dying without hydration is comfortable, many loved
ones choose to forgo the tube feeding. Offer the patient whatever
he or she can tolerate by spoon feeding and drinking. Sips of water
and ice chips can relieve dry mouth. This decision poses the kind
of perplexing situation that may become more clear as society has
more experience of it. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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