Alzheimer's Society welcomes enquiry into adult artificial nutrition in hospitals

'A Mixed Bag' published today (Thursday, 24 June 2010) found that parenteral nutrition was administered inappropriately in nearly a third of cases, and that good care only existed in 19% of cases.

Assessment and monitoring was also inadequate in nearly half of cases, with 49% of complications avoidable. People with dementia, who often have problems with eating and drinking, occupy up to a quarter of hospital beds at any one time.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Alzheimer's Society has serious concerns about the frequency with which people in the terminal stages of dementia are artificially fed and hydrated. This form of nourishment can be a frightening experience for a person with dementia who may not understand what is happening and may have to be restrained to avoid pulling out or resisting invasive treatments. This report confirms fears there are serious deficiencies in the way hospitals are giving parenteral nutrition to adults.

'Artificial hydration should only ever be used as a last resort and never as a substitute for good care. Often training staff in good dementia care, and making sure they have the time to sit with a person and help them eat and drink, is a much better alternative.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society