My mother has dementia and was taken to the hospital after not eating or drinking for about 2 days. The hospital did several tests, noted her white blood count was up, and gave her antibiotics. Her white blood count came down and she was given a feeding tube. After 5 days, the feeding tube was removed as the doctor felt there was no change with the tube. She continued to be on a glucose drip and oxygen. Two days later she has perked up somewhat. Hurray. But she has failed the swallowing test twice. We are not sure if we should put her through the insertion of the feeding tube again. How long could she possibly live on glucose/saline drip alone?