title: To Feed or Not to Feed? A Case Report and Ethical Analysis of Withholding Food and Drink in a Patient With Advanced Dementia.
abstract: It is well established that competent patients have the right to refuse artificial nutrition and hydration. There is less clarity regarding withholding nutrition in patients who lack decision-making capacity but who are still physically able to eat and drink. This case highlights the ethical dilemma of withholding food and drink in a patient with advanced dementia.
authors: Department of Palliative Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA. Electronic address: cmeier@u.washington.edu.
authors: Cynthia A
authors: CA
authors: Meier
authors: Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors: Thuan D
authors: TD
authors: Ong
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005248:Feeding Methods / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D016224:Living Wills / Q000941:ethics; D008297:Male; D009679:Nuclear Family / Q000523:psychology; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics*
keywords: Advanced dementia; Alzheimer's disease; VSED; voluntarily stopping eating and drinking