San Diego, California — At 81, Judy Benjamin is navigating a rigorous cross-country trek to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that had once threatened her own mental faculties. Diagnosed at 67, Benjamin’s early signs of cognitive decline mirrored her family’s history with the disease, claiming her mother and several relatives.
Her journey began on April 5, as she set out from San Diego with the ambition of reaching St. Augustine, Florida, by October. Accompanied by a support team and a documentary crew, she has already celebrated the milestone of walking over 1,000 miles. “I’ve been encouraged by the number of people I’ve met during my journey,” Benjamin reflected. “Everyone knows someone touched by Alzheimer’s, and they are hopeful when they hear my story.”
Benjamin’s symptoms surfaced gradually, with small lapses like forgetting phone numbers escalating into more alarming issues. After a brain scan confirmed the presence of amyloid plaques and significant damage, she felt a deep sense of despair. “I realized things were deteriorating quickly, which left me feeling overwhelmed,” she said.
In her quest for a different outcome, Benjamin sought guidance from Dr. Dale Bredesen, a leading expert in Alzheimer’s research. Bredesen has long advocated for the possibility of reversing cognitive decline, and the timing of their meeting proved fortuitous. When he first evaluated her condition, Benjamin took extensive notes, demonstrating her determination to reclaim her memory and mental health.
Bredesen’s ReCODE protocol became the foundation of Benjamin’s treatment. It involved comprehensive lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, exercise, improved sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation. “This approach tailors interventions based on individual lab results,” Bredesen explained. “It addresses key factors such as blood flow, inflammation, and toxicity.”
Despite the existence of evidence supporting reversibility in cognitive decline, many remain unaware of these possibilities, according to Bredesen. Early intervention can make a substantial difference in treatment efficacy, a fact he emphasizes in his research publications such as The End of Alzheimer’s.
Through her journey, Benjamin has become a vocal advocate for brain health, training as a brain coach and yoga instructor. Bredesen describes her as a remarkable example of resilience, stating, “Very few people are capable of such a monumental journey, especially at her age, let alone after reversing the effects of early Alzheimer’s.”
Benjamin’s mission goes beyond her personal triumph; she wants to instill hope in others facing similar challenges. “I aim to highlight that cognitive decline can be both prevented and reversed,” she stated. “Walking over 3,000 miles at 81 is a testament to what is possible, one step at a time.”
As she continues her ambitious walk, Benjamin serves not only as an inspiration but also a beacon of hope for those grappling with Alzheimer’s and cognitive health issues, demonstrating that it’s never too late to change the narrative.