Mary Rachelski, an Alzheimer's patient from Ballwin, has been able to slow the progression of the disease through a healthful diet. Mary and her husband, Andy Rachelski, credit her resistance to the disease to three lifestyle changes: getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating the right foods. They follow a diet rich in plants, fermented foods, and lean protein. Mary's brain scans showed shrinkage in the memory control area, indicating mild cognitive impairment, an early stage of Alzheimer's. The Rachelskis turned to functional medicine, which focuses on determining the root causes of illnesses, and found that Mary's thyroid was not producing enough hormone and she had high levels of lead in her blood. They now live in a Lutheran Senior Services community and continue to eat natural and organic foods, avoiding added sugar and processed foods. The Alzheimer's Association recommends the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, which is similar to the Rachelskis' diet, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's [43a35fb7].
The Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District organized a Sunday stroll called the IG Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. The event, led by executive director Terry Caporossi, raised funds to offer programs and services to both those living with dementia and their caregivers. Anne and Jim Thomas were the walk ambassadors for this year, and Shaylan Spurway was the legacy walker. The event took place on Great Northern Road in Sault Ste. Marie [caf65c3d].
The second annual 'Walk to Defeat ALS' will take place at Irvine Park on Sunday. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually causing a person to lose their ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. Jenny Olsen, an ALS patient, shared her story at the event, highlighting the challenges of living with the disease. The ALS Association provides resources and support for ALS patients, helping them navigate the journey. The event aims to raise funds for ALS research and support ALS patients in Northwest Wisconsin. There is currently no cure for ALS. For more information on how to donate to the ALS Association, visit their website at https://www.als.org/ [941640a9].