Which of the following statements best summarizes the cons of enteral feeding in older adults with dementia?

• A. It does not prevent aspiration, does not improve wound healing, and does not prolong survival.
• B. It prevents aspiration.
• C. It improves wound healing.
• D. It prolongs survival.

Answer: (D)

In older adults with dementia, the downsides of enteral feeding are emphasized because it often fails to provide meaningful benefits while adding risks. The best summary of the cons is that tube feeding does not prevent aspiration, does not improve wound healing, and does not prolong survival. These points reflect the reality that, in advanced dementia, feeding tubes rarely change the course of the illness in a way that improves quality of life or longevity, yet they can introduce complications such as infections, tube dislodgement, diarrhea, or dehydration.

If someone suggests it prevents aspiration, improves wound healing, or lengthens life, those would imply benefits that aren’t consistently supported by evidence in this population. The overall takeaway is that the harms and lack of proven benefit make this intervention unlikely to be advantageous for many patients with advanced dementia, aligning with goals of comfort and quality of life rather than aggressive measures.