RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Swallowing problems and dementia in acute hospital settings: practical guidance for the management of dysphagia JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 544 OP 548 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.9-6-544 VO 9 IS 6 A1 HA Smith A1 J Kindell A1 RC Baldwin A1 D Waterman A1 AJ Makin YR 2009 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/9/6/544.abstract AB There is little evidence to support tube feeding in advanced dementia although it is still frequently used in acute hospital settings. Patients present with complex problems and are often unable to make decisions about their healthcare needs. Multidisciplinary teams may be challenged by the difficult ethical decisions they are required to make in the best interests of their patients. This paper guides decision making in the management of patients with dementia and dysphagia in the acute hospital setting. A structured approach to information gathering, assessment and management is outlined with practical application of recent published guidelines and research evidence, which ensures appropriate individualised care.