MALNUTRITION is one of the classic symptoms of later stages of Parkinson’s disease. Calorie intake can be artificially enhanced by the use of PIC [ INTO VEIN] or PEG [into stomach] liquid food supplementation. Has anyone had any experience of either technique. Any comments as to its effectiveness of any snags associated with either technique would be welcome thanks
PIC line feeding won’t be an option. It’s much safer to use the bowel for feeding. PEGs are fairly safe, easy to use and less prone to infection than PICs. Neither will alter the parkinson’s or it’s progression but a PEG will allow the person to be fed. You’d have to think about the person’s wishes and quality of life, particularly if they are unable to make the decision for themselves. I would discuss this with your Parkinon’s doctor/nurse.
I would largely agree with Podd, just a couple of points you may not think of. The individual can often pick up/look better on this type of feeding as they are gettting a really good balanced diet, some put on weight and you need to keep an eye on that as the calorie level can be amended. One of the downsides is that eating is a very social thing but the individual can find it difficult to be at the table with everyone but not able to join in the meal in the same way or else they don’t join in the mealtimes at all and are left on the sidelines as it were - either way can be difficult for the individual and indeed others who may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Tot