Discontinuation of tube feeding in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type

Abstract

The need for tube feeding was evaluated in six patients with clinical diagnosis of probable dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Four patients were fed by a nasogastric tube for a period of 10 to 42 days; two patients were fed by a gastrostomy tube for periods of one and eight years. In five of these patients, it was possible to discontinue artificial feeding and reestablish oralfeeding. The duration of survival after discontinuation of tube feeding rangedfrom four to 35 months. These results indicate that despite the progressive course of DAT, in most cases natural feeding by experienced nursing staff can replace tubefeeding.