Feeding-related hospitalizations and outcomes in advanced dementia

Abstract

Aim: Our study aimed to assess the frequency of hospitalizations related to feeding problems in patients with advanced dementia in an Internal Medicine Department, assess healthcare professionals’ attitudes, and compare outcomes between patients with and without enteral tube feeding. Findings: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients aged ≥65 years with advanced dementia admitted to Internal Medicine Department of Coimbra's Healthcare Integrated Delivery System and found that both feeding-related complications and development of infections are common in the terminal stages of dementia, as 17.4% of admissions were related to feeding problems and 83.1% of the primary diagnosis were infections. We also found that in our cohort, enteral tube feeding did not prolong survival in patients with advanced dementia and did not reduce the incidence of complications. Message: Feeding-related problems are common in advanced dementia patients and represent a frequent cause of hospitalization in Internal Medicine Departments. Our findings support existing evidence that comfort feeding is a valid and appropriate alternative in this patient population and highlight the need for the early development of an individual and integrated care plan that addresses feeding decisions for individuals with dementia.