Whitney Houston's Mom, Cissy Houston, Is In the Early Stages of Dementia

There are also non-drug therapies that can alleviate some dementia symptoms

With concerns about medication side effects, there are a growing number of alternative treatments used on dementia patients. Some of these do delay Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. However, be aware that the safety and effectiveness of alternative treatments are based solely on testimonials rather than scientific research.

Herbalists and holistic doctors have some recommendations that include:

• Caprylic acid and coconut oil. An interesting “medical food” called Axona is marketed for memory enhancement. The theory behind caprylic aid and coconut oils is the ketone bodies that come from caprylic acid. These ketone bodies may provide an alternative energy source for your cells that cannot use glucose because of Alzheimer’s.

• Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body, and causes standard cell functions. This alternative has not been extensively tested, so you may want to avoid coenzyme Q10.

• Ginkgo biloba extract and may contain compounds that have positive effects on cells within the brain. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that protects cell membranes and regulates neurotransmitter functions. Gingko is a Chinese medicine used for centuries and right now is used in Europe to ease cognitive symptoms related to dementia.

• Coral calcium is a form of calcium carbonate that comes from the shells of once living creatures that make up coral reefs. Coral calcium contains traces of minerals that may offer some relief for Alzheimer’s. The FTC, however, has filed formal complaints against coral calcium. No scientific evidence supports coral calcium’s exaggerated health claims.