Video: Alzheimer's Disease: Natural Feeding Techniques

Using three case studies, the video argues that most late stage Alzheimer’s patients can continue to be fed orally, rather than with a gastronomy tube, and that natural feeding techniques can decrease infection and improve the comfort and quality of life of the patient.

The video explains that people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from three main feeding problems:

• Refusing to eat
• Choking
• Forgetting how to eat.

In order to replace tube feeding with oral feeding, manage food refusal, and use natural feeding techniques right through the very late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the case studies demonstrate the need for caregivers to know their patients and to work with them. Since people with AD tend to have more energy earlier in the day it is suggested that the main meals be breakfast and lunch, with supper being the lowest volume meal. The patient’s ability to handle food without choking is significantly affected by its consistency, and adding yogurt can alter this. Since late stage patients seem more receptive to sweet foods, this should be considered in the meal planning.

While all three patients in the study appeared to be happier being fed orally, the improvement for one man was dramatic. It was even argued that studies have shown no greater mortality rates for patients who choke while they are eating than for those who don’t.

Overall, the video provides a convincing argument to maintain oral feeding almost without exception, as well as suggestions for making this work.

While the target audience for this video would seem to be professional caregivers, some family caregivers who are caring for their loved one at home could certainly benefit from it as well.

The video is short, clear, and convincing. The presentation of the material is quite clinical and dry, but the information could be easily understood by people with or without a medical background.

Reviewed by Jan Robson, Dementia Helpline Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of B.C.