Medical foods developed to help fight dementia, and particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), have received extensive media coverage. Described as "miracle milkshakes," two such products are Souvenaid and caprylidene (Axona). The two drinks contain different combinations of nutrients designed to reduce damage to brain cells and therefore improve cognitive functioning.

To arrive at a diagnosis of dementia in general and specifically AD, doctors must evaluate multiple aspects of daily functioning through screening questions. In addition to an interview of the patient and family members/caregiver, mental status screening tests are conducted. Multiple different mental status examinations are available to screen for dementia/AD.

However you look at it, being given the diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a difficult blow. And even though you or your close family may have had an inkling that the symptoms you were experiencing were due to this condition, the realization that you were right all along is still tough to take.

There are many myths about dementia in general and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in particular. These false and misleading beliefs have led many people to try the wrong treatments and avoid seeking appropriate help. Such myths need busting! Here are ten common myths and why they're wrong. Dementia is a natural part of aging Dementia isn't a part of normal aging.

Not every nursing home is a great place. AARP published the following list of warning signs of a bad nursing home. If you encounter one or more of these negative indications, run, don't walk, out of there and definitely do not place your loved one in that facility. Odors: A strong smell of urine and feces indicates a shortage of staff to help residents to the bathroom or to keep residents and the facility clean.

You can start by checking the bulletin board in your local senior center or community center. People looking for work as aides often post their credentials there. If you can't locate any potential candidates that way, place an ad in the local paper or post a notice at the senior center. If you're a member of a church or synagogue, ask around to see if anyone is interested in the job or has used such a service.

Many families feel that they don't have any other choice but to care for their loved ones at home without outside assistance. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 28 percent of caregivers have annual incomes less than $20,000. Financial constraints force them to personally shoulder the burden of providing care for their loved ones.

If your loved one isn't yet ready for an assisted living facility or a nursing home but you don't feel that your situation is conducive to providing 24/7 in-home care, adult daycare is for you.Adult daycare for people with dementia and its newer cousin, adult day healthcare, can be a real godsend for a two-career family that simply can't provide in-home care during work hours and doesn't like the idea of leaving their loved one alone at home all day alone or with an aide.

Your loved one won't require as much care in the early stages of dementia or AD as he or she will in the later stages. For someone with very mild memory loss, perhaps all you'll need is someone to ensure that medications are taken as prescribed. The care plan you start out with will change and become more comprehensive as your love one's condition progresses.