Factors Contributing to the Preferred Method of Feeding in End-Stage Dementia: A Scoping Review
Dysphagia
Newman, R. D., Ray, R., et al. (2020).
Dysphagia, 35, 616-629.
This scoping review investigates the methods of feeding patients with end-stage dementia.
Australian Government Research Training Program
Not specified
Original studies
18
Findings indicated the following themes in determining the method of feeding for patients with end-stage dementia:
<ul>
<li>current feeding method;</li>
<li>risk of aspiration pneumonia;</li>
<li>mortality;</li>
<li>malnutrition; </li>
<li>ethical considerations; and</li>
<li>religion.</li>
</ul>
Although artificial nutrition was reported as the preferred method of feeding, results indicated a lack of convincing evidence to support the use of enteral tube feeding and may even contribute to life-threatening adverse effects (e.g., aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition).
