Abstract
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an accepted technique for long-term enteral feeding. Its use has increased because of its simplicity and low complication rate. The demands for gastrostomy insertion have risen and now encompass indications where the long-term outcomes are uncertain. Dementia has become one of the commonest indications for gastrostomy feeding. This article reviews the justification for PEG feeding in dementia and suggests a practical approach for this difficult clinical situation. The clinical strategy described in this paper can be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases and provides a framework for improving a PEG service.
Keywords: dementia, gastrostomy, guidelines, nutrition
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