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Should a dementia patient have a feeding tube?: Risks, benefits, and ethical considerations

According to the Alzheimer's Association, several professional organizations, including the American Geriatrics Society, have position statements supporting hand-feeding over enteral nutrition for patients with advanced dementia. For families facing this difficult decision, the question of whether or not a dementia patient should have a feeding tube involves weighing potential risks and burdens against uncertain benefits, prioritizing comfort and dignity in end-of-life care.