Transdisciplinary approach to food support for a patient suffering from Alzheimer's disease and terminal lung cancer with recurrent aspiration pneumonia and his family

Abstract

An occupational therapist provided home-visit rehabilitation to a patient in his 70s with Alzheimer's disease and terminal-stage lung cancer. The patient was discharged home after being hospitalized and treated for aspiration pneumonia. Using a transdisciplinary approach, we provided various dietary supports, including nutrition, postural positioning, dietary assistance, and oral care. Consequently, his nutritional status improved, and he could stay at home for 47 days without pressure ulcers, which reduced his wife's anxiety. This experience suggests that acquiring a wide range of knowledge and skills regarding food support through cooperation among various professions is necessary. Furthermore, a community system should be created to provide patients with appropriate food support.