Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Tube feeding in advanced Alzheimer's disease: when language misleads
1School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
Abstract:
For much of the late 20th century, feeding tubes were often considered essential in the treatment of people with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD) who developed swallowing or eating problems. Increasingly, the use of feeding tubes (i.e., percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or PEG tubes), has been challenged by empirical research, which has not supported the rationales provided for this intervention. The purpose of this commentary is to explain why healthcare providers, in light of empirical evidence, should refrain from using the terms "life-sustaining" or "life-prolonging" when discussing tube feeding with older adults, their family members, or other surrogate decision-makers.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia l: Introduction
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...

