A review on enteral tube feeding in demented patients: Ethical and organizational issues

Summary Enteral tube feeding is a form of nutrition provided through a tube, catheter or stoma, delivering nutrients avoiding the use of the oral cavity for patients unable to eat naturally. It is a safe, efficient and relatively inexpensive method for feeding selected patients with adequately functioning gastrointestinal tract. Dementia, as well as cancer are the most usual indications for enteral feeding, despite the unsure benefits and the possible complications. Moreover, enteral tube feeding has become a widely used medical practice not only in hospital wards, but also in nursing homes and at home. Nevertheless the scientific societies for nutrition have not provided specific recommendations for enteral tube feeding in demented patients. Only a few countries have elaborated the organizational issues for this medical practice.