I am a former business newspaper editor-in-chief, a mom of a super-smart daughter and a ReCODE 2.0 and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. My health and wellness journey took an unexpected turn in 2016 when my husband, Mark, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and told he would be non-functional in just a few years.

That began a new health journey for both of us as we sought to better understand Alzheimer’s and the contributing causes to the disease, as well as ways to help improve his cognitive function. Has it been an easy journey? Not always because Alzheimer’s is best described as metabolic chaos. But we have seen a number of improvements as we continue to work on addressing the myriad contributors Mark is dealing with, combined with a brain-healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, quality sleep and more.

I know firsthand how frustrating it is for a loved one to receive an unexpected diagnosis and be offered very little to address it — as well as how the feeling of being overwhelmed as you take on the role of a caretaker can create stress that, left unaddressed, makes you susceptible to your own health issues.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned through our journey: There’s a lot that you can do, which is why I want to use my personal experiences to help others facing a similar challenge.

Together, let’s co-create a brain wellness plan so that you, too, can see the positive impact of how even the smallest changes can powerfully shift your — and your loved one’s — overall health and wellness.

I know from my own personal experience that food and lifestyle choices can be incredibly powerful medicine, helping you feel more vibrant in many areas of your life.

The simple act of eating whole foods, getting quality sleep, adding consistent movement as part of your daily activities and taking time for self-care can shift how you feel in remarkable ways.  

That’s why I hope you'll let me walk this journey with you as we work together to create a plan to address your wellness needs.

Cindy Barth graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Prior to joining the staff of Orlando Business Journal in 1993 and later serving as editor-in-chief for 16 years, Cindy also worked as a singer, songwriter and musician, recording six CDs of original music.