Doc Talk
When to tube feed dementia patients
Enteral nutrition may be controversial, but there are cases where this treatment is still the best option
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Philip Yap and Toon Min Li
Stepping into the ward after a weekend break, I caught sight of an emaciated elderly woman at the corner bed. A nurse was attempting to feed her, but the woman's lips were shut tight. In one instance, she nudged the spoon away, spilling the contents.
I inched closer and attempted to catch the patient's gaze. She looked back but remained silent even as I tried to connect by speaking in her native dialect. I was struck by her sullen eyes, so I reached for her hand, hoping she would respond, but she did not.
